Kerry’s David Clifford and Shauna O’Connor are fast becoming GAA’s powerhouse couple but just how much do we know about their relationship?
Well, they began their romance as childhood sweethearts before going on to start their own family with the arrival of their son Ógie, and have weathered some real highs and heartbreaking lows over the years.
From exploring the world to celebrating All-Ireland wins and crushing defeats, and marking major life milestones, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for Shauna and David. Here’s a peek into their family life as David eyes up a history-making night at the All-Star awards.
Going official
Kerry footballer David Clifford with Shauna O’Connor upon arrival at the PwC All-Stars 2019 at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
It’s not clear when they first met but they decided to announce their romance online in 2017. The first picture shows them looking fresh-faced at 18 and beaming at the camera while enjoying a night out.
David was dressed in very era-appropriate skinny jeans while Shauna was glam in a denim mini skirt and an on-trend furry jacket. By the looks of things, they were smitten with one another early on in their relationship as Shauna captioned the post ‘#Alltimer’.
Debs night
David Clifford of Kerry and Shauna O’Connor on arrival at the PwC All-Stars Awards 2022 at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
It also looks like these childhood sweethearts went to the Debs together a year later.
Another cute throwback shot showed David smiling as he placed a corsage on her wrist on the night while Shauna looked simply stunning in a figure-hugging white dress covered in 3D white petals.
Other pics from the occasion show her posing with friends and it looked like a night to remember as she posted ‘end of an era’.
Seeing the world
Pic: David Clifford/Instagram
Nowadays David and Shauna are very much homebirds with their gorgeous son Ógie, but after leaving school they decided to leave Ireland behind for a bit to see the world in 2020.
That included spending Christmas in Thailand where they lived it up at full moon parties and hung out on boats.
The couple also visited waterparks and an elephant sanctuary where one of the mammals decided to use the blonde beauty for weight lifting practice.
Welcoming baby Ógie
David Clifford with his son Ógie. Pic: INPHO/Bryan Keane
The couple became a fully-fledged little family after welcoming their first child, a son, in September 2021 and with impeccable timing too. Ógie’s arrival came after Kerry lost out in the semi-final that year and was the perfect distraction for the doting dad.
‘We were delighted. Ógie was born the Sunday night after the Tyrone loss. It’s an example of the lows but then the highs you can feel as well but everything is going great so far, thank God,’ he told RSVP magazine. He teased that he is already helping the now toddler perfect his kick.
On being a dad
David Clifford of Kerry is handed a Kerry hat by his son Ogie, watched by partner Shauna O’Connor, after the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Clare. Pic: Sportsfile
Despite having bright hopes for his son’s future in a green and gold jersey, becoming a dad has also changed how David views the sport.
He acknowledged that his life has changed significantly since the little man’s arrival but was quick to add that it’s been ‘massively enjoyable.
‘It feels like it’s [football] everything and we put everything we have into it but look, I think health and family and things like that do probably take more priority. Ógie doesn’t tend to be too worried about whether we won or not, so that’s a nice thing in fairness.’
Graduations
2022 proved to be a year of celebration for the family as David capped off his All-Ireland win by graduating from college or as Shauna summed it up nicely as ‘the best summer.’
David earned his Master’s in Education from UL and is building a career as a PE teacher but has no plans to teach his students GAA.
David Clifford and his son Ógie. Pic: Instagram
He told Balls.ie: ‘I’d probably stray away from coaching Gaelic Football that much in PE, you’re trying to give the students a chance to maybe find a sport they mightn’t have tried that may be something they might like to carry on further in their lives.’
Shauna quickly followed suit with her own graduation this year which she dubbed ‘a special year.’
Family heartbreak
David, left, and Paudie Clifford with their family. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
2023 was a gruelling year for the family with the loss of David’s mother Ellen in May. Ellen, who was regularly seen pitchside cheering on David and his brother Paudie, had just turned 60 and had battled cancer for some time.
‘We have so many great memories of her going to games and she had passion and commitment for GAA. She would do anything for dad and the three of us, probably too much. As well as being our mam she was also a great friend,’ Paudie remembered her at her funeral.
The year ended on a somewhat more positive note for David when he received his fifth All-Star award and was named Footballer Of The Year for the second time.
All Ireland Victory
David Clifford of Kerry and his son Ogie celebrate winning the GAA Football All-Ireland final. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Shauna proudly watched on as the Kerry GAA player put in an incredible performance as he led his team to victory in the All-Ireland football final 2025, scoring nine points against Donegal to help his side win with the final score, 1-26 to 0-19.
After the final whistle, David immediately ran to find his partner and their three-year-old son Ógie to share the All-Ireland celebrations with them.
As the Kerry team lined up to lift the Sam Maguire, Ógie was there with his dad, David, and his uncle, Paudie Clifford, with the father-and-son duo lifting the cup together.
If Ógie is anything like his dad, we could see him playing in Croke Park in a green and gold jersey in years to come!
