TRIBUTES HAVE POURED in to former GAA manager Paddy Clarke who passed away at the weekend.
Clarke was in charge of the Louth senior footballers from 1997 to 2001 while he also enjoyed success at club level in an array of counties.
The Louth county board praised the contribution of their former boss, who had helped secure silverware in 1997 and 2000.
“It was with great sadness that Louth GAA learned of the passing of our former senior football manager Paddy Clarke.
“Paddy was senior manager from 1997 to 2001, winning the All-Ireland B title in 1997 against Clare and the Division 2 league against Offaly in Croke Park in 2000.
“Paddy made a huge contribution to the association both within the county and outside and his loss will be sorely felt by all in the GAA.
“We wish to extend our sympathies to Paddy’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Clarke also had spells in the backroom teams of the Meath and Monaghan footballers, along with working alongside Brian McEniff when Ireland toured Australia in the 2001 International Rules series.
He had a remarkable record at club level, winning senior titles in five different counties. The triumphs came with Stabannon Parnells and Mattock Rangers (Louth), Castleblayney Faughs (Monaghan), Kingscourt Stars (Cavan), Kilmainhamwood (Meath) and St Brigid’s (Dublin).
The latter success with St Brigid’s came when he coached the team alongside Meath football great Gerry McEntee and also helped them land the Leinster club football title in 2003.
He was also heavily involved with Leinster GAA in the role of tutoring coaches.
His funeral will take place in Drogheda on Wednesday.
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