In addition to being a football sensation, David Clifford is a devoted athlete, a family man, and a modest person who never fails to win over GAA supporters in Ireland. The Kerry star, who is only 25 years old, has already accomplished what many can only imagine: winning an All-Ireland Championship, several All-Star selections, and Footballer of the Year awards.
Despite his well-established dominance on the field, Clifford would rather not draw attention to his personal life. But Shauna O’Connor, his longtime girlfriend, has been a recurring figure in his journey. With a young son and a solid, private bond that deviates from the typical sports-star romance tales, the couple has established a life together.
David Clifford: Personal & Career Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Clifford |
| Age | 25 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Profession | Gaelic Footballer |
| Club | Fossa GAA |
| County Team | Kerry |
| Major Achievements | 5 All-Stars, 2 Footballer of the Year Awards, 1 All-Ireland Title |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship with Shauna O’Connor |
| Children | One son, Óigí (3 years old) |
| Social Media Presence | None (Prefers to stay offline) |
Source: GAA.ie , Wiki , Instagram
Who is Shauna O’Connor, the girlfriend of David Clifford?
In contrast to many well-known sports couples, David Clifford and Shauna O’Connor live a modest, everyday life. Shauna stays out of the spotlight, doesn’t strive for celebrity, and would rather help David out in the background.
On his birthday in 2024, she shared a touching family photo of them with their son as a rare public homage. The caption was straightforward but profound:
“Happy (day early) birthday dad!”
The pair avoids the attention that sports stars frequently receive by keeping their relationship quiet and drama-free. Rather, they continue to prioritize their journey together, football, and family.
Juggling Fatherhood, Family, and Football
Being a father at a young age can be daunting for a lot of young athletes. However, it has been a source of happiness and inspiration for Clifford. Óigí, his three-year-old son, is already displaying a love of sports by imitating the GAA and soccer players’ celebrations.
Clifford, who frequently considers how his son provides him with additional motivation on the field, has embraced the harmony between football and fatherhood. Clifford chuckled when asked if he ever imagined playing with his son, as Johnny Doyle did when he was forty-five:
“The day I’m inside the full-forward line and some young fella beats me to the ball, that’s probably when it’s time to move on.”
He is an excellent athlete, but above all, he is a family man, which is one of the many reasons he continues to be a fan favorite.
The Development of David Clifford’s Profession
The ascent of David Clifford has been nothing short of remarkable. From dominating minor football in his early years to becoming the face of Kerry GAA, he has always exuded excellence and inevitability.
He started playing for Kerry’s senior team in 2018, and by 2022, he had guided them to an All-Ireland championship, solidifying his reputation as one of the best players in GAA. As one of the most seasoned players in the locker room, he continues to elevate his own game while mentoring Kerry’s younger players in 2025.
The Reasons David Clifford Avoids Social Media
In a time when the majority of athletes actively promote brands, exercise equipment, and lifestyle content on social media, Clifford is still an outlier. He has publicly stated that he prefers to concentrate only on football and his family, calling social media a waste of time.
Clifford has resisted the lure of ongoing sponsorship deals, in contrast to many intercounty stars who make money off of their notoriety. Rather, he lets his performances do the talking, highlighting his sincerity and commitment to the game.
In today’s digital world, his choice to stay offline and away from the distractions of contemporary fame is unusual, but it also speaks to his strong morals and grounded personality.
What Will Happen to David Clifford Next?
Due to postponed preseason preparations, David and his brother Paudie were both unable to attend Kerry’s League opener, which created some uncertainty for the 2024 season. In response to the circumstance, manager Jack O’Connor stated:
“The Cliffords have just returned and are running a little. They and we haven’t actually played football yet. I can thus confirm that they will not be playing this week.
But Clifford is anticipated to get back to his best as the championship season draws near, once more bearing Kerry’s hopes of winning the championship.
With Shauna and Óigí supporting him, he has all the drive he needs to add more hardware to his already amazing career. His desire to compete is still as strong as ever.
Why the Story of David Clifford Is Not Just About Football
The journey of David Clifford goes well beyond the field. His tale is one of balance, family, and unwavering determination.
✔ He became a father at a young age, but he accepted the role with gratitude and maturity. ✔ He keeps his relationship low-key, demonstrating that not all athletes require attention.
✔ Despite being one of the most renowned players in contemporary GAA history, he maintains a low profile on social media, focusing on his game and personal life.
Clifford remains loyal to his principles, concentrating on football, his family, and the things that really count, in contrast to other athletes who aim for celebrity, sponsorships, and media attention.
FAQs About David Clifford & His Relationship
❓ Is David Clifford married?
✔ No, but he is in a long-term relationship with Shauna O’Connor.
❓ Who is David Clifford’s girlfriend?
✔ His girlfriend is Shauna O’Connor, a private individual who avoids the spotlight.
❓ Do David Clifford and Shauna O’Connor have children?
✔ Yes, they have a 3-year-old son named Óigí.
❓ Why doesn’t David Clifford use social media?
✔ He finds it a waste of time and prefers to focus on football and family.
❓ What’s next for David Clifford?
✔ He is preparing to lead Kerry’s championship campaign in 2025, aiming for another All-Ireland victory.
