Kerry have booked their place in the All-Ireland final defeating Derry on a scoreline of 1-17 to 1-15 after a cracking advertisement for the GAA at Croke Park this afternoon.
Jack O'Connor's men entered the game as favourite, hoping to keep their defence of the Sam Maguire going by advancing to the decider for the second consecutive season.
It was a closely fought contest, one Derry had the better of in the first half. They were very impressive in the opening 35 minutes, going into the interval leading by three points.
The second half was a cagier affair, with Kerry slowly imposing themselves on proceedings. With the game level in the final few minutes, Stephen O'Brien kicked an important score that ultimately proved to be the catalyst for the victory.
Stephen O'Brien gives Kerry the lead with a fantastic point off his left. pic.twitter.com/eXie28Cd4H
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 16, 2023
In the end, the All-Ireland champions would run out as winners with two points to spare.
GAA: RTÉ pundits blown away by David Clifford performance
As has become custom, David Clifford had a decisive say in this game yet again. He was absolutely superb throughout, especially in the second half. Unsurprisingly, he was named as man-of-the-match for his efforts.
A visibly tiring Derry begin to crumble as Kerry go ahead. Clifford with another score
📺Watch: https://t.co/AKAre5FHdN
📻Listen: https://t.co/fTWa53I9yS
📱Follow: https://t.co/BQWk4cO1rr pic.twitter.com/IaeeKM3NFM— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 16, 2023
It could be said that we have never quite seen a player of his level in the sport before, a sentiment that was echoed on RTÉ after the game. Speaking on The Sunday Game, both Sean Cavanagh and Colm Cooper explained why Clifford might be the best player we have ever seen.
Cavanagh: David Clifford could save or beat anyone. He could even save RTÉ at the moment he's doing that much! He's on a different level.
They throw around this 'GOAT' or greatest of all-time, I don't believe there is anyone that has ever played Gaelic football that I have seen or heard of that is at this level that he's at.
Cooper: I've never seen a player like this with the consistency that he brings every single day he comes out.
Even in the game against Tyrone were he's didn't play that well, he did incredible and amazing things.
Kerry will be relying heavily on David Clifford once again in a couple of weeks when they face Dublin in the final, a challenge he will no doubt be up to.
Should he lead them to victory once again on that occasion, we will have to start discussing him among the greatest GAA players of all-time.
SEE ALSO: Sean Cavanagh Did Not Miss Opportunity To Throw Cheeky Dig At Armagh On RTÉ
