As Kerry won the All-Ireland minor title this year, one player, in particular, stood out. David Clifford from Fossa scored an astonishing solo goal in the final against Galway. Remarkably, Clifford will terrorise minor defences next year too as he is again underage.
On Tuesday, Colm Cooper - speaking at the launch of the AIB GAA Provincial Championship - discussed the possibility that Clifford could be courted by AFL teams.
Clifford, who Cooper described as a 'treasured asset', would be a major loss to the future of Kerry football.
Colm Cooper on David Clifford
It's only natural that the Australians would come in for Ireland's top players, which there's no doubt David is. He's proven that in the colleges from and the All-Ireland after and considering he's a minor against next year.
It's going to be difficult to hold on but what I do know he's from a massive GAA background, a massive GAA family. I don't know what his intentions are. I imagine playing for the Kerry minors and looking for more success next year. He's playing with Fossa, a club just outside Killarney. They'll take good care of him.
The expectation is going to be difficult for him to manage and for his coaches to manage because he's set a high benchmark for himself. You said he was a bit like me when I was younger - I certainly wasn't six foot and built like he is. He could be anything, the future is so bright for him. But as we know, that has been the case for so many young players coming through. Sometimes it doesn't always work out.
Earlier this week, the AFL website reported that three Aussie Rules clubs are in the hunt for another Kerry prospect - Mark O'Connor. He competed at the AFL combine recently and impressed.
The Dingle midfielder won minor titles with Kerry in 2014 and 2015. He also won Hogan Cups in those years. Cooper feels the loss of O'Connor would be another blow to Kerry.
Colm Cooper on Mark O'Connor
He'd be a big loss. From the brief time I've worked with him this year... he's an extremely grounded and level-headed guy. For 18 years of age and being one of the best minors in the country really impressed him.
His ability... he's a midfielder and the way he can go and catch a ball... He hasn't developed as much as a David Moran or an Anthony Maher or Bryan Sheehan physically at the moment, but when he does that... He's a potential leader for Kerry down the line. You never want to give away those guys too easily. If he does decide to go to Australia, it will be to Kerry's expense and Kerry's loss.
Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
