The friendship between Shauna O’Connor and David Clifford has steadily grown into one of the most remarkably fruitful partnerships in modern Irish sports. Their love, which was first hinted at by a dimly lit Instagram photo in 2017, has developed into something incredibly powerful and deeply human. A shared existence founded on stability, purpose, and exceptional emotional clarity has grown out of what began as a quiet young relationship.
By the time the pair reached their late teens, they had already made memories that most people take ten years to make. David can be seen smiling widely and wearing a corsage on Shauna’s wrist in a photo of them at their Debs. Maybe hinting at a much more important beginning, she captioned another photo with the words, “end of an era,” while glistening in a white dress with 3D blossoms.
David Clifford & Shauna O’Connor – Relationship & Personal Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | David Clifford |
| Partner | Shauna O’Connor |
| Child | Son, Ógie (born September 2021) |
| Relationship Began | Publicly visible since 2017 |
| First Public Post | Instagram photo captioned “#Alltimer” |
| Shared Milestones | Debs, College Graduations, Travel, Parenthood |
| David’s Career | GAA Footballer (Kerry), PE Teacher with M.Ed. from University of Limerick |
| Awards & Titles | Footballer of the Year (2022, 2023), All-Ireland, Munster, National League wins |
| Shauna’s Career | Graduate, co-parent, private public figure |
| Reference |
Over the past ten years, David has emerged as one of GAA’s most gifted players, and Shauna has remained a dependable, consistent presence. In 2020, just before Ireland experienced extended lockdowns, they decided to travel to Thailand because they both wanted to live freely and meaningfully. The trip became an album of pleasant boat cruises, beach parties, and trips to sanctuaries. In one hilarious photo, Shauna is even seen being hoisted by an elephant, a hilarious scene that will live on forever.
Since the birth of their son Ógie in September 2021, their bond has become stronger. The timing was poignant because it came just after Kerry’s semi-final loss to Tyrone, which was followed by a personal high. In addition to being therapeutic, David’s son’s birth changed his life. “Being a father instantly shifts your priorities, but football demands all of your attention,” he remarked. “Ógie doesn’t tend to be too worried about whether we won or not,” David said, with a laugh that hinted at the subtle insight that children often provide.
He has been remarkably open about how to balance fatherhood with competitive sports. Parenthood has provided David with a soft boundary that helps him keep his ego in check and life in perspective, even when he finds the intensity of intercounty play to be overpowering. By publicly expressing their entire selves, professional athletes are teaching young fans about the importance of mental and emotional well-being in addition to performance.
By 2022, David had won an All-Ireland championship and earned a Master’s degree in Education. That summer was particularly beneficial for the couple’s growth on a personal and professional level, and Shauna referred to it as “the best ever.” David’s choice to not teach Gaelic football in his physical education lessons is one really inventive tactic. Instead than focusing on his own talents, he wants to assist pupils in discovering passions they may not have considered. That conscious disengagement from ego demonstrates how much David considers his impact both on the field and in the classroom.
Shauna completed her own graduation shortly after. Despite maintaining a more secluded professional route, she plays a very adaptable role in their relationship by offering grounding, balance, and support. The calm pride that emanates from two people who have grown together through shared responsibility and success is captured in photos taken during their joint celebrations.
The couple has used smart timing and mutual care to accept life’s clarity and chaos in equal measure. The responsibilities of motherhood, school, and competing at the top level of athletics might cause most young couples to break up, but David and Shauna are still carrying on with a lot more grace.
Their ability to stay out of the tabloid spotlight while maintaining their high reputation is particularly noteworthy. It represents a shift in culture where authenticity is valued more highly than performance. Other athlete-couple relationships, like those of Joe Canning and Rory McIlroy, who manage to blend their private relationship with public recognition, are reflected in their story.
Particularly during interviews, David never feels obliged to recognize Shauna’s presence. Instead, it is really intentional. He describes fatherhood as “massively enjoyable,” and while discussing his personal growth, he nearly always gives Shauna credit. Their partnership serves as an example of the significance of relationships in shaping an individual’s professional trajectory, especially when both sides make mutually respectful investments.
