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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Vincent Whelan

GAA fans all saying the same thing after watching David Clifford's duel with Padraig O'Hora

David Clifford's battle with Padraig O'Hora was the talking point to emerge from the Division One league final in more ways than one.

The Mayo defender was seen trying to antagonise the Kingdom ace through both verbal and physical means at times but in the end came out a resounding second-best.

Now while there's no shame in that, especially considering how he was left isolated one on one for the entire game, plenty of viewers enjoyed how Clifford didn't rise to any of the sledging tactics and instead gave a prime example of letting your football do the talking.

Seanie tweeted: "Watching League Sunday again this morning just to watch David Clifford in action again and the brilliance he brings, there is nothing he can't do, every kind of defender has tried all and he's just unstoppable, sometimes you just have to applaud his class, what a talent."

While Stephen added: "O’Hora pure class loves a challenge. David Clifford might be the best ever.

"Mayo were missing some very key players today but Kerry was missing maybe the second best player in Ireland today, but the spring and summer will be different should be a great tournament."

And Shane said: "Just thinking back on today's win for Kerry over Mayo. How on earth is Padraig O'Hora supposed to keep out the greatest forward of all time when there's fast ball going into space with zero help?

"No defender would hold David Clifford out in those circumstances."

The big man showed his pace when he blew past O'Hora on the outside for the goal (©INPHO/James Crombie)

Lastly, Josh drew a comparison between the 23-year-old and another generational sportsperson: "David Clifford is the LeBron version of a Gaelic player. Unbelievable."

In fairness to O'Hora, for all that he tried to wind the Fossa man up, there was a very sporting moment between them after Clifford's goal.

The 28-year-old gave him a pat of acknowledgement after he'd been beaten and the consensus best player in the country fired home with his weaker right foot.

As a whole Mayo really disappointed throughout what was a flat final, with them lucky to only be trailing by six at half-time considering how many goal chances the likes of Paudie Clifford spurned.

And things only got worse in the second half as the margin of victory wound up being fifteen points.

About the only plus point to emerge from the day for James Horan was that Cillian O'Connor made his long-awaited return from last year's Achilles injury and scored a free late on.

The two All-Ireland contenders may well square off during the Championship so Horan and his staff will need to devise a more team-centric approach to containing Clifford if they are to put it up to them.

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