Clarke turns the clock back with Down return on the horizon

It’s been 13 years since 36-year-old Clarke hung up his county boots in 2017 after battling a Addison’s disease – a rare condition that causes chronic fatigue. The 2010 All-Star is considered one of Down’s finest forwards, despite his last match for his county being in 2011 at just 23-years of age.

Clarke, who enjoyed a couple of stints in the Down Under playing Aussie Rules, has made his name back home in recent years as a well-respected coach alongside Laverty with the Down U20 squad when they won the Ulster Championship in 2021, and since then as Laverty’s right-hand man in the Senior County setup.

Before the Allianz National League began the goalkeeper position wasn’t fully established. Kilcoo’s Niall Kane had opted out, as had Warrenpoint’s Gary McMahon, and with Mayobridge netminder Charlie Smyth kicking his way to a potential NFL career Stateside, the position was up for grabs.

Since then, Glenn’s John O’Hare has established himself as the number one choice for the number one spot, as Down cruised to five wins from five. But Laverty also tested the waters through another veteran outfielder Kevin Anderson. The 37-year-old came into the unfamiliar position of nets for a stint late on against Limerick.

Laverty and coach Ciaran Meenagh have shown that their vision is broad and with many other counties doing likewise, the option of Clarke coming in as an outfield keeper is certainly something they seem willing to explore.

Clarke has been training alongside O’Hare and Anderson since the start of the year.

So, with a trip to Westmeath on St Patrick’s Day, a home game against Clare to wind up the league, and the Ulster championship opener at home against Antrim looming on April 13, the fit and talented An Riocht clubman may well don the Red and Black once more.