David Clifford relishing freedom as new rules create space for forwards

Michael Bolton

Kerry star David Clifford says he is enjoying the new dynamics introduced by recent rule changes, particularly the shift back to one-on-one duels and more space for forwards to operate.

With blanket defences less prominent and teams no longer able to put 15 men behind the ball, forwards like Clifford have been quick to capitalise. The Fossa man scored 2-5 in Kerry’s Munster final win over Clare last Sunday, helping the Kingdom to a fifth consecutive provincial title.

Having returned mid-way through the league, Clifford admitted it took time to adapt.

"I came back in the middle of the league, so it was hard to get used to some of the rules," he said. "Once you get your head around them, it is very positive — both when you're playing in the games and even watching as a neutral."

He believes the rule changes have brought back the traditional corner-forward battle.

"As a corner forward, it’s come back a bit more to the one-v-one duels, which is enjoyable. You go into a game marking the top full-back or corner-back — you’re going to lose some balls and they’re going to kick a score.

"The next play, you might win the ball. That dual element is very enjoyable.

"I think you're seeing across the country now that some of the top corner-forwards are back playing well, getting scores and being more involved. The corner-forward taking on his man and scoring — I think that's one of the most enjoyable parts of the game to watch."

With a Division One title and Munster silverware already secured this year, the focus inevitably turns to the All-Ireland — the one remaining prize in 2024 for Jack O’Connor’s side.

Clifford, who made his senior debut in 2018, lifted Sam Maguire in 2022 but has also suffered heartbreak, losing All-Ireland finals in 2019 and 2023 and falling to Armagh in last year's semi-final after extra-time.

"Any year you are unsuccessful is very disappointing, particularly in extra-time to Armagh," he said. "For them to go on and win it shows how close we were.

"That’s the general rule: if you don’t win it, the next season you’re trying to right those wrongs.

"But you can’t go through the whole season just thinking about the All-Ireland either, because you’re wishing your life away in one sense.

"It’s something that drives you on more than it is pressure. It gives you massive motivation — but it’s not something taking up your thoughts on a daily basis, because then your life is not going to be that enjoyable."

Last month, Kerry edged past Cork in extra-time in the Munster semi-final — a game Clifford said they would likely have lost in previous years.

The 26-year-old believes that result, and the lessons from last season’s defeat to Armagh, could prove crucial heading into the group stages.

With Roscommon, Cork, and either Louth or Meath awaiting them, Clifford is anticipating more fine margins.

"The margins are so small. You take Joe’s goal — if that hits the crossbar and comes out, then we don’t win the game.

"All you’re trying to do really is put yourself into those situations as much as possible. Whether that’s in training or league games, you’re trying to get used to those stressful moments, so that when it happens in a big game, it’s not the first time you’ve been there."

Reflecting on last year’s journey, Clifford added: "Against Armagh, we went through the group stage winning handy enough. Even the quarter-final against Derry — while it was tight, we weren’t behind for long.

"All of a sudden, you’re trailing in a big game and you haven’t really experienced that. It’s just about putting yourselves in those situations and learning from them."