 After not being a member of he the backroom team for Cork's third successive All-Ireland victory in 1978, Clifford was a late addition to the selection committee as a replacement for Christy Ring following his death in March 1979.Cork completed a record-equalling five-in-a-row of Munster Championship victories in 1979, however, the team failed in their attempt at securing a fourth successive All-Ireland Championship after a 2-14 to 1-13 All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Galway.Clifford was retained as a selector for a second successive season, with Cork claiming the 1979-80 National League title after a defeat of Limerick.