‘Just a normal bloke,’ is how Barry John Keane characterises his talismanic former Kerry team mate, David Clifford.
Keane finished up with Kerry in 2018, the same year Clifford took inter-county football by storm, having hit 4-4 from play in the All-Ireland minor final the year before.
Clifford’s last gasp goal against Monaghan at Clones in the Super 8s to hand Kerry a draw was a sign of what was to come.
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Kerins O’Rahilly’s club man Keane also played with Clifford for IT Tralee in the 2019 Sigerson Cup.
Keane, Clifford and current Kerry forward, Tony Brosnan formed a crack forward unit, but the college were shocked by IT Carlow.
Triple All-Star Clifford (23) has won it all though. That is, bar a senior All-Ireland medal, but that stat could change this Sunday when Kerry face Galway at Croke Park.
Even though Clifford appears to be taking his status and fame in his stride, an All-Ireland win would undoubtedly lift a weight of expectation off him, and ease any pressure the Fossa man feels.
Tralee man Keane (32) says: “He knows that too. He has the Hogan Cups and two minor All-Irelands and two county championships in his back pocket so he won’t get carried away with himself.
“At the back of their heads the Kerry players know they need to get this one over the line, and then they can really go at the next few years.
“They just need to get the monkey off the back but we’ll see next Sunday.”
Speaking about Clifford’s way of dealing with the attention, Keane said: “He’s just so down to earth that he just takes it in his stride. He could sit down and talk to anyone.
“If they want pictures, or just going into class - he’s just a normal bloke. You have to kind of be there to see it.
“You’d meet him for a coffee or lunch, two hours and you wouldn’t even be talking football. Just little bits and then move on.
“He will give time to any kid that wants to come over. We mightn’t even get a chance to eat. You’d be talking about Celtic from years ago, signings.
“And you know what, it’s a good way to keep the distraction from football.
“You don’t want to be thinking about football 24/7. Don’t get me wrong, when he’s in the zone, he’s in the zone.
“But he likes to get the release as well and take the pressure off. “
Keane continued: “Dave, you wouldn’t even think he is who he is. Very down to earth. Likes his golf. Likes his soccer.
“We did a year in Tralee IT. Our full forward line was myself, Clifford and Tony Brosnan.
“We actually lost to Carlow in the first game. We were favourites, I would say, for the Sigerson, but we got caught on the hop.
“One training session, you were just like Jesus, this fella is way beyond his years. He’s showcasing it now.”
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