Kerry have won their third consecutive Munster title, defeating Clare on a scoreline of 5-14 to 0-15 at the Gaelic Grounds this afternoon.
It was a comfortable victory for Jack O'Connor's side, who dominated right from the first whistle.
Of course, this was always going to be an emotional occasion for Kerry after the news of Ellen Clifford's passing yesterday. The mother of David and Paudie had been battling an illness for quite some time.
Despite suffering the loss of their mother, the two men opted to play for their county in the game against Clare this afternoon.
Despite the passing of their mother Ellen yesterday, both David and Paudie Clifford are on site and ready to play for Kerry in the Munster final against Clare.
Remarkable commitment to their county. pic.twitter.com/v3psL2aw6g— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) May 7, 2023
Not an easy thing to do.
The pair both put in excellent performances, with the two linking up brilliantly for Kerry's third goal in the first half.
Paudie and David Clifford combine for Kerry's third goal
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A nice moment.
David would have his second goal early in the second half, with Paudie getting in on the act soon after. He produced an excellent finish to score Kerry's fifth goal of the game.
Paudie makes it three goals from the Clifford brothers today
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Kerry would go on to see the game out in a comfortable fashion from this point onwards.
David Clifford & Paudie Clifford do family proud in final win
The Clifford brothers can be immensely proud of their performances in this game, putting on excellent displays in what could not have been easy circumstances.
David Clifford ended the game with a personal tally of 2-6, being named man-of-the-match for his efforts. Understandably, the wise decision was made to award the trophy to his teammate Sean O'Shea on his behalf.
Seán O'Shea accepts the man-of-the-match award on behalf of David Clifford and says the Kerry squad will "really row in" behind the bereaved brothers now, following their Munster SFC final win over Clare #GAA pic.twitter.com/P5uqkFK3dM
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 7, 2023
It kind of puts sport into perspective really, there are a lot more important things in life than football. We were lucky to come out here and express ourselves on the pitch on a given day.
We know it'll be a tough day for the two boys. It shows the character of the two boys to come out and just play like they did there, give it their all.
We're thinking of the two lads, Dermot, and Shelly and the extended O'Shea and Clifford families at this time...
You couldn't ask for better (teammates). Then again that's their family, they're football and Kerry to the core. That's the way they were brought up and raised.
It's a credit to them. We will really row in behind them now.
Some fantastic words.
As captain of the team, the Fossa man would accept the Munster Cup. During what was no doubt a very emotional moment, he quickly made his way down the steps after being handed the trophy.
🏆🟢🟡
David Clifford lifts the trophy as Kerry make it a Munster SFC three in a row.
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A poignant moment.
Jack O'Connor would also pay tribute to the pair after what they have gone through over the last day or so.
It's a tough weekend for the Clifford family. It's a great sign of the boys that they wanted to play, it was a family decision.
They felt it was the best way to honour their mother and they did so in style...
They're a great family, a football mad family. I spoke to the boys yesterday and to Dermot as well, they were adamant that they wanted the boys to play.
They felt that their mother would want that...
They wanted to be with the boys. There was a bit of solace with coming in and meeting the group today and whatever.
It's going to be a tough few days. My own mother passed away 20 years ago and I still miss her. They will miss their mother.
We will give them as much support as we can over the next few weeks.
A fantastic tribute from Jack O'Connor.
They certainly deserve it.
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