David Clifford struck for 0-11 to inspire Fossa to victory over Tyrone’s Stewartstown Harps in this afternoon’s All-Ireland club junior football championship final.
It finished 0-19 to 1-13 in favour of the Kerry champions at Croke Park, where six players in all (four from Stewartstown and two from Fossa) were red carded in what turned into a fiery affair at the finish.
Gareth Devlin’s fisted goal on 24 minutes had been the difference between the sides at half-time (1-7 to 0-7) but, ultimately, it was Clifford’s scoring prowess that separated them when all was said and done.
Fossa kicked the first four points of the second-half, and when the Harps saw full-back Darren Devlin dismissed after an off the ball incident the tide started to firmly turn in the Munster champions’ favour. Anton Coyle, Gareth Devlin and Kyran Robinson also saw red for the Tyrone men later on in the second-half.
Clifford added a brace of points to cushion his team's lead and, while Stewartstown stayed in contention, grabbing two of the last three points at headquarters ensured the title for Fossa who saw both Clifford brothers - David and Paudie - dismissed in the dying stages.
Tweet“Thankfully we came out in the second half and got the job done!” 👌
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 15, 2023
Is é David Clifford Laoch na hImeartha inniu!
Comhghairdeas leat 👏👏#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/xPcPmDYj05