 After the revelations concerning the relationship between Bishop Eamon Casey and Annie Murphy it is widely believed Clifford was promoted from Casey's secretary to Archbishop to reduce the risk of the story leaking.In 1989 he became the first Kerryman to hold the office of Patron of the Gaelic Athletic Association, which brought immense satisfaction to the former footballers.That same year he was awarded a Ph.D. degree for a thesis on Carers of the Elderly and Handicapped at Loughborough University; this was based on studies he conducted in Kerry.