"He's the Mayo version of David Clifford"
July 22, 2026
Kobe McDonald celebrates after Mayo's All-Ireland SFC semi-final win against Louth ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Kerry boss Jack O’Connor sees Mayo ace Kobe McDonald as being “the nearest we've seen to David Clifford”.
McDonald’s first season at senior inter-county level has saw him help Mayo reach their first All-Ireland senior football championship final in five years.
Kerry stand in the way of what would be a first Sam Maguire Cup success since 1951 for the Westerners and, speaking to GAA.ie this week, O’Connor says the defending champions know the attacking threat that they’re set to come up against this Sunday at Croke Park.
"All I know is that they have a very exciting forward line, particularly those young lads,” he said. “And Ryan O'Donoghue is obviously in Player of the Year form.
“But those young fellas, like Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald, they've given the Mayo followers real hope. Kobe McDonald is the nearest we've seen to David Clifford. He's the Mayo version of David Clifford.
“You'll remember all the hype about David when he started off with Kerry after his exploits underage. They've really latched onto this team, the Mayo followers, and they've given them great hope.
“The manager has backed youth and they've backed him. That's a potent mix."
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