Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup first round: Queen’s University v IT Tralee (today, 2pm, The Dub)
IT must be a while since any team containing Kerry sensation David Clifford started as 7/2 underdogs, but that is the position IT Tralee find themselves in heading to Belfast for today’s Sigerson Cup clash with Queen’s University.
The free-scoring Fossa ace showcased his remarkable talent with 4-4 in last year’s All-Ireland minor final against Derry and, despite his tender years, made his debut for the Kerry senior side in Sunday’s National League win over Donegal.
It has been a remarkable rise to prominence, and Clifford is expected to be part of the IT Tralee side that attempts to upset the bookies’ odds at The Dub this afternoon.
Queen’s boss Aidan O’Rourke and his backroom team of Gerard O’Kane, Conor Mackle and Conor Caldwell are well aware of Clifford’s precocious talent, and are expected to plan accordingly.
Derry corner-back Niall Keenan is a superb man-marker and could be handed the job, although the taller Aidan Rushe is also likely to be in the frame.
Former Derry star O’Kane was at Croke Park last September to watch Clifford end his county’s All-Ireland hopes, but insists Queen’s can’t afford to put too much focus on just one player.
“He was unreal that day, but he’s just one of many players coming off those All-Ireland minor winning Kerry teams,” said O’Kane, a Sigerson Cup winner with Queen’s in 2007.
“Gavin Crowley also played for Kerry on Sunday and did very well, he’s a real driving force. Tralee are backboned by players from those teams, so we know they’re strong.
“But it’s not easy making that step straight up to senior as they have done. I know from my own experience because I went straight into seniors from minors.
“Derry were playing in Division 2B at that time and we didn’t get out of it… myself and Mark Lynch were fired in and it was an eye opener alright.
“All last week a lot of media focus was on David Clifford, but he seems to be able to handle it.”
Like their Tralee counterparts, the Queen’s management team had an anxious wait following the weekend’s National League games.
However, Derry pair Keenan and Emmet Bradley, and Fermanagh’s James McMahon all came through unscathed. Injury kept Ryan Burns out of Louth's defeat to Down and it remains to be seen if he features today.
