Kerry 3-22 1-11 Clare
Kerry did what was expected of them and completely took Clare apart in their championship opener. It was a one-sided affair early on, but Clare weren’t without their success.
Sean O’Shea was the man of the match, scoring 1-7 and linking up brilliantly with the Clifford brothers, really stamping his place on this team.
David Clifford was his usual brilliant self – kicking 1-6 – but the goal he scored may be something he ends up regretting.
The star man came bursting forward before firing an absolute bullet into the net, but no sooner had he started celebrating did he begin to hobble gingerly.
David Clifford scores a rocket of a GOAL for @Kerry_Official v @GaaClare in the Munster Senior Football Championship Quarter Final #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/sokt8lEzad
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 26, 2021
After signalling to the bench for a substitute to be made, Kerry fans everywhere were hoping that it was a precaution, given that the game was already out of sight, rather than a clear injury that will rule him out.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jim McGuinness said that the injury “might end up being be the main talking point of the match, but could potentially just be a cramp and hopefully not too serious.”
Kieran Donaghy was optimistic, pointing out that he seemed to be okay after the game and that it was potentially just a “spasm.”
The firing forward is on fierce form this season, and looks to be playing the best football of his short, but impressive inter-county career.
Most GAA fans, pundits and experts are viewing this year’s All-Ireland Championship as a two horse race between Kerry and Dublin, with neutrals all over the country hoping that it’s the Kingdom who come out on top.
However, if Clifford’s injury turns out be worse than it seems, then it’s hard to put into words the devastating impact that would have on the green-and-golds’ season, and their hopes of winning the Sam Maguire.
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