Kerry collected a record 24th Allianz Football League title with a 1-18 to 1-12 win against Mayo on a day where they had too much firepower for their opponents.
David Clifford, widely regarded as the best player of this generation, was in action for the Kingdom on a day where he drew numerous fouls but failed to make the scoring impact he has done in the past.
Instead, it was his brother Paudie Clifford who shone on the occasion, inspiring Kerry to a fourth League title in just six seasons.
Paudie put in a Man of the Match performance on the day, scoring 0-03 including two 45s, but it was how he dictated the Kerry attack that particularly stood out.
He assisted 1-03 of their scores, including a smart pass to Paul Geaney for his goal and stood above from the rest on a day in which brother David was not at the peak of his powers.
Some slick play from Kerry saw Paul Geaney get the first goal in their Allianz League Final with Mayo 👏pic.twitter.com/f0XfXAN79U
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 30, 2025
Peter Canavan claims David Clifford no longer Kerry's key man
Tyrone legend Peter Canavan was speaking on The Sunday Game when he shared his view that Paudie has become the most vital cog in the Kerry XV this season.
In terms of their key player at the minute, I think he (Paudie) has overtaken David as the most valuable player to this Kerry team at the minute.
"Against Tyrone I think he got over 50 possessions in the League, today he got well over 40 and the majority of them were constructive - not just easy passes side to side."
Former Dublin footballer Paul Flynn added further context to Paudie's showing, highlighting his ability to thrive in tight areas.
'It doesn't matter if you are right on top of him, he will still create a pocket of space," he assessed.
"And he is soloing the ball with his head up so he can already look to see where the danger is."
Peter Canavan believes Paudie Clifford has now overtaken his brother David as Kerry's key player #RTEgaa #AllianzLeagueSunday pic.twitter.com/t34co57cVt
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) March 30, 2025
David's performance was the subject of scrutiny from Mayo boss Kevin McStay after the contest, with the manager taking aim at referee's treatment of him.
McStay alleged that Clifford has mastered the art of buying fouls, creating a picture to referees to award him more frees than actually warranted - although he did stress his admiration for the player.
