 After losing back-to-back finals in 1955 and 1956, a series of career-threatening injuries saw Clifford leave the Glen Rovers senior team.He linked up with the club's intermediate team and secured the complete set of county championship titles after claiming a winners' medal when the Glen defeated Carrigaline in the 1958 intermediate final.A return to full fitness saw Clifford earn a recall to the Glen Rovers senior team.