Conor Laverty, the head coach of the senior football team in Down, has suggested that Marty Clarke might come out of retirement to play as a goalkeeper. Clarke last represented Mourne County 13 years ago and has been acknowledged as one of Down’s most gifted footballers.
Though Clarke currently assists Laverty in management, he has been involved in the team’s training. The idea is to capitalise on his expertise and understanding of the game, especially in the distinct role of the wandering goalkeeper of today.
“We discussed this last season and it was almost finalised,” said Laverty. “We’re simply considering the potential of this move, and while John O’Hare continues to perform well for us, he remains our primary choice for now. However, Marty’s ball handling skills and the changing dynamics of the game make this an worth exploring.”
Clarke, now 36, was a leading figure during Down’s journey to the 2010 All-Ireland senior football final. The same season, after a stint with Collingwood playing Australian Rules, he rejoined the Down team. Despite being awarded the All Star in 2010 and having his last match for Down in an All-Ireland qualifier against Cork in 2011, Clarke returned to Australia to pick up his Australian Rules career again.
Following the end of his second Australian run in 2014, Clarke came back to Ireland, but did not rejoin the Mourne squad. Clarke retired from football at all levels in March 2017, after being diagnosed with Addison’s disease, a rare adrenal gland disorder. However, he developed a name for himself as a skilful coach and insightful match commentator in the media. After returning to play for An Ríocht last season, Clarke is preparing for a comeback at county level.
Now, Clarke is part of the training drills along with O’Hare and Kevin Anderson, under the watchful eye of John Devine, Down’s goalkeeping coach and former number one from Tyrone. John has continued to be Down’s first goalie of choice for the season, playing all of their McKenna Cup and National League matches.
“John is doing admirably for us,” emphasised Laverty. “As our number one, it falls to players like Marty and Kevy to challenge him.”
The innovative decision by the Down administrative team could result in one of the most surprising and well-appreciated GAA returns ever. Niall Kane, who was the primary goalkeeper for the previous year, won’t be playing for Down this season. Likewise, Charlie Smyth, as he attempts to secure a professional contract in the NFL in the United States, has also been absent from the line-up.
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