Fossa got their hands on the All-Ireland junior club football championship this afternoon, although their victory over Tyrone's Stewartstown Harps in the final was not without controversy.
There would be six players sent off in the game, with four red cards for Stewartstown and two for Fossa.
Five of the red cards would come in the final few minutes, with both David Clifford and Paudie Clifford sent off late on. David would receive his marching orders after picking up two yellows, while Paudie was given a straight red after seemingly making contact with the face of an opposition player as they lay on the ground.
While all of these incidents impacted what was an otherwise brilliant game of football, one particular challenge stood out in due to its recklessness.
Viewers appalled by disgraceful tackle on Paudie Clifford
With Fossa leading by three points in the closing stages of the game, Stewartstown knew that they likely needed a goal to get back in the game.
Their chances of doing so were ruined after a moment of madness from one of their players.
With Paudie Clifford carrying the ball in his own half, Stewartstown Harps player Anton Coyle produced a sickening hit on the Kerryman. He would lift his elbow in order to intentionally strike the face of his opponent, with the referee immediately producing the red card.
While both teams had an ugly side in the game, this tackle on Paudie Clifford was an absolute disgrace.
There's no place for that in the GAA.pic.twitter.com/5dM25nTzcg— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) January 15, 2023
Lukcily, Paudie Clifford emerged from the incident relatively unscathed. It was an incredibly nasty challenge, the type of which has no place in any sport.
Those who were watching the game were certainly appalled by what they had seen and justifiably so.
Disgraceful elbow by Anton Coyle in the face of Paidí Clifford. Deserves a lengthy ban for that #GAABEO #JuniorFinal
— JC (@carrolljames89) January 15, 2023
That elbow on Paudie Clifford was absolutely disgusting... I wouldn't wish a lengthy ban on many but that no.24 deserves one!
— Gareth Duffy (@GDuffers933) January 15, 2023
David Clifford a class act again today. That "tackle" on Paudie Clifford at the end was shocking #GAABEO
— Cathal Haughey (@Cathal_Haughey) January 15, 2023
Dirty act on Paudie Clifford there.
— Emmett Page (@pageemmett1) January 15, 2023
There could be no surprises if Paudie Clifford went looking for that lad who hit him the elbow after the game. That is filth
— Owen Webb O Rourke (@OwenWebbORourke) January 15, 2023
Terrible from the Stewartstown sub - really dangerous challenge - Paudie Clifford got a sickening belt
— Sylvester Hennessy (@Slyone1069) January 15, 2023
What 24 did to Paudie Clifford there was a disgrace. One of the dirtiest hits I've seen in a long while.
— Adam Moynihan (@AdamMoynihan) January 15, 2023
While both sides will no doubt have some regrets over their conduct during the game, the hit inflicted on Paudie Clifford took things to another level.
You'd imagine a lengthy ban could be incoming for the player involved.
SEE ALSO: Paudie Clifford Calls Out Officials For Red Card Decision During Fossa All-Ireland Speech
