David Clifford has been named the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Footballer of the Year for 2017. The Kerryman received the award at the inaugural GAA Minor Star Awards at Croke Park on Saturday afternoon.
The 18-year-old starred for Kerry this year on the way to the Kingdom's fourth consecutive All-Ireland minor title. It was also Clifford's second All-Ireland minor victory.
2017 had added significance for the Fossa player - he was also captain of Peter Keane's side. On the day that Clifford lifted the Tommy Markham Cup, he scored a remarkable 4-4 in Kerry's win against Derry.
It finished an incredible minor career for Clifford which saw him score 10-68 during his two years at the grade.
Following the All-Ireland final, Kerry manager Peter Keane compared Clifford favourably with Kingdom legend Maurice Fitzgerald. Keane believes that, in terms of development, Clifford is actually ahead of where Fitzgerald was at the same point in his career.
Earlier this week, there was a major boost for Kerry with the Irish Examiner reporting that Clifford has decided to remain in Ireland and commit to Kerry for the 2018 season. A move to Aussie rules had been rumoured as a possibility for Clifford.
