2022 Footballer of the Year David Clifford has played down the ugly scenes that unfolded in the junior All-Ireland final as he was key to Fossa's victory.
In what was another incredible performance from David Clifford, he scored 0-11 to help Fossa to hard fought win over Tyrone's Stewartstown.
Despite trailing at half-time, Fossa, and David Clifford, brought their game to another level, with some incredible scores from the Kerry forward to earn his side All-Ireland glory.
However, today's final was overshadowed with ugly scenes in the second half, with six red cards in total, including cards to both David and Paudie Clifford.
From off the ball incidents, to disgusting elbows that have no place in the game, it spoiled a brilliant game between two competitive sides.
Despite the scenes that unfolded, the 23-year-old insists he holds no grudges from today's game with the opposition.
“Thankfully we came out in the second half and got the job done!” 👌
Is é David Clifford Laoch na hImeartha inniu!
Comhghairdeas leat 👏👏#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/xPcPmDYj05— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 15, 2023
It's a different feeling, I suppose you realise how much it means to people, playing with the people you grew up with, it's very special.
There's an awful lot at stake. Look, I certainly won't be holding any grudge against them fellas, I hope they will do the same. There's so much at stake, it means so much and there is so much emotion.
These things can happen, but sure look, that's football."
David Clifford Completes Incredible Season
Despite being underdogs, Stewartstown brought the game to Fossa, as they maintained the lead through the first half.
In a tight but entertaining game, Gareth Devlin scored the only goal of the game in the 25th minute when he fisted the ball into the net.
24 nóim
@An_Chraobh 1-05@FossaGaa 0-05
Cúl cliste ó Gareth Devlin le haghaidh An Chraobh Na Cláirseacha!
Fantastic goal from Devlin taking the lead for the Stewartstown Harps! 👌
#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/7L4BwSNCJn— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 15, 2023
The Tyrone champions took a 1-07 to 0-07 lead into the first half, with David Clifford scoring five points.
He started the second half with intent, as the Kerry side wasted no time in getting back into the game, with Paudie Clifford getting among the scores.
32 nóim
@An_Chraobh 1-07@FossaGaa 0-08
Tús maith leis an dara leath le cúilín deas ó Paudie Clifford!
Fossa kick off the second half with a fantastic point! 👌
#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/AoN48RxAne— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 15, 2023
It went from bad to worse for Stewartstown, when Darren Devlin received their first red card for an off the ball incident.
As Fossa continued to keep the scoreboard, the final game descended into chaos in ugly scenes to end a great final.
60 nóim
@An_Chraobh 1-12@FossaGaa 0-18
Pointe eile den scoth ó David Clifford!
Fantastic point for Fossa from David Clifford! 👌
#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/63F6pIlRgA— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 15, 2023
Stewartstown had three more players sent off, including a red card for Gareth Devlin, while Anton Coyle sent off for a dangerous elbow on Paudie Clifford.
Both David and Paudie Clifford were sent off for off the ball incidents, with Kyran Robinson also sent off for the Tyrone side.
SEE ALSO: Paudie Clifford Calls Out Officials For Red Card Decision During Fossa All-Ireland Speech
