By Sean Moriarty

There were unprecedented scenes in O'Moore Park, Portlaoise last Saturday after Fossa GAA defeated Castletown in the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Junior Club Championship Semi-Final.

The local GAA club booked a place in Sunday’s final against Tyrone side Stewartstown Harps in Croke PArk helped as ever by the Clifford brothers.

Between them, the Clifford brothers scored nine points, with David posting six from play.

O’Moore Park was thronged with fans, either supporting Fossa or Castletown from County Meath.

There was a third group of supporters there and they did not care who won or lost. They were there to see one man – David Clifford, the Young Player of the Year for 2022.

They came from neighbouring counties like Kildare and Carlow. They sported GAA club jerseys of their own and not the colours of Fossa or Castletown.

And when the match was over, hundreds of young fans mobbed David Clifford, even before he had the chance to shake hands with his opponents.

Local MEP Seán Kelly, former President of the GAA, was in O’Moore Park on Sunday. He has seen a few games in his day but even a man of his experience admits this is unprecedented.

“Not since the glory days of Mick O’Connell have I seen so many neutrals turn up at games, with no interest in who wins or loses, but to see one man - David Clifford. This is gathering momentum, especially since Kerry won the All-Ireland,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“For instance, at the recent Munster Intermediate and Junior Club finals, it was clear while the Junior Final involving Fossa and Kilmurray, the place was thronged before 1pm on a day the roads were very icy and it was bitterly cold. When the intermediate match started, the grounds were half empty - all neutrals, especially kids came to see David. This Cliffmania hasn’t peaked yet - wait if and until David captains Kerry to All-Ireland victory next July - then you'll see Cliffmania like never before.

“The great thing is that he always delivers and carries himself extremely well, despite all the attention and pressure. A one off. Proud to say, we’re from the same parish.”