Paudie Clifford of Kerry poses for a portrait during the launch of the GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship Series in Dublin.
By John Harrington
Paudie Clifford has sought advice from some legendary Kerry forwards in his bid to become an all-round forward.
The Fossa club-man has brought great energy to the Kerry attack since making his championship debut last year but still feels like there’s more to come from him.
And he hasn’t had to look far from home for tips on how to further develop his game.
“Obviously, players from the past like takings bits from Declan O’Sullivan’s game, Gooch obviously and Paul Galvin especially,” says Clifford.
“Them three in the position I play. If you can be a combination of the three of them... I don’t have to look too far to look outside Kerry for that.
“I’ve spoken to them all in the last year. They’re great to give advice if needed or whatever.
“They’re so knowledgeable. They were unbelievable footballers but they’re very knowledgeable. Just trying to get as much out of them to improve my game and to improve Kerry as a team.”
Such has been the impact that Clifford has made since coming into the team last year and winning an All-Star after a very impressive maiden Championship campaign that you have to wonder why he wasn’t given a chance to prove himself until the age of 24.
Paudie Clifford of Kerry handpasses a point under pressure from Paul Maher and Limerick goalkeeper Donal O'Sullivan during the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Final match between Kerry and Limerick at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney.
Perhaps that’s why he’s so keen to do all he can to continue developing his game, because it took him longer than he might have liked for his opportunity to shine to come.
“I didn’t really ever think about it as proving people wrong but I had to prove to myself that I could do it,” he says.
“That’s probably the main thing. Any player has to look at yourself first and see if you can prove yourself right. Having people back you is all well and good but it’s yourself that you have to prove right.”
He was finally given his chance by Peter Keane last year and is now enjoying life under Keane’s successor as Kerry manager, Jack O’Connor, back for his third stint in the Kingdom hot-seat.
“Peter did a lot of great work and we were very close last year and then Jack came in, a new voice with new ideas,” says Clifford.
“He’s been a breath of fresh air to us, really. We’re really enjoying the training and really enjoying how we’re preparing for games. It’s just a new voice is the main thing.
“He knows...how would I put it, the right things to say to players before the game and they know their role from it.”
