A fitting tribute

Clifford boys honour their mother, Ellen, in Munster final win

On Saturday last, the local community was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ellen Clifford. A staunch GAA woman, mother to Shelly, Paudie and David, and wife to Dermot, Ellen passed away at her Fossa home after a long illness. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Death puts many things into perspective, sport included. The relative triviality of something like a Munster football final, which was being held the following day, is laid bare. Nevertheless, there was the question of whether or not David and Paudie would line out against Clare in Limerick. It’s not that anyone on the outside was fretting about it either way, but it was still something that needed to be decided.

Behind the scenes, Kerry manager Jack O’Connor spoke to both players and to Dermot. It would be totally understandable if they didn’t feel up to it, but the Cliffords – as a family – were “adamant” that the boys should play. “They felt it was the best way to honour their mother,” O’Connor said afterwards. And that’s exactly what they did.

Team captain David put in a Man-of-theMatch performance, scoring 2-6 including a pair of well-taken goals. Paudie was also excellent, teeing up his younger brother for the first of those goals before adding one of his own in the second half. In the end, Kerry ran out comfortable 5-14 to 0-15 winners to secure their 84th Munster football title and to set up an exciting home match against Mayo on May 20.

David accepted the cup before being ushered through the crowded pitch with Paudie in tow. As they reached the gate to the dressing rooms, Paudie put his arm round David’s shoulder.

The courage, selflessness and quiet dignity they showed on what must have been an incredibly difficult day was remarkable. Their mother would be proud. The rest of us certainly are.