Former GAA man had huge role in Arsenal’s Premier League title win

This is Mad!

An Irishman, however, played a crucial role in bringing the title back to North London.

Throughout their history, Arsenal have had plenty Irish players deliver in crucial moments during trophy pushes, such as David O'Leary and Niall Quinn during the 1988/89 First Division winning season.

Notable other Irish legends include Katie McCabe and Liam Brady.

However, Dubliner Eoin Clarkin played a vital role to the success of Arsenal this season, albeit off the pitch.

Clarkin has been Arsenal's Lead Rehabilitation Strength and Conditioning Coach since July 2024 after serving at the club since 2019 with various roles including with the women's team.

In a 2020 interview with the Irish Independent's Daniel McDonnell, Clarkin funnily enough revealed it was a Galway man, Des Ryan, who recruited the former GAA S&C coach.

Clarkin said: "Des asked me if I would be interested in interviewing. I said I would but I saw myself staying in Dundalk.

"But I got through the first round, and then the second round and then I was offered the job. It wasn't an easy decision. It definitely turned my head.

"With my age and profile and the time I was at in my career, I wanted to take a shot at England and see the opportunities.

"I couldn't say no, but I felt gutted to leave because I still wanted to explore more parts of the Dundalk journey. I didn't want to leave home, but I haven't looked back since."

Eoin Clarkin is not the only man to have an Irish background in the Arsenal coaching set-up. Mayo's Barry Solan has been a part of the performance staff since 2015, during the Arsene Wenger era.

Solan is also a Lead First Team Strength & Conditioning coach, having previously held a similar role with the Polish national team.

The Dubliner before moving to Arsenal split the same responsibilities with Dundalk and Kilmacud Crokes between 2016-2018.

Crokes won the Dublin SFC in 2018 with Clarkin aboard. However, shortly after the triumph the 43-year-old left his post at the Dublin side.

The coach must be credited with keeping star players Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka fit for the end of the season having combatted injuries all year long.

Congratulations to the Irishmen working behind the scenes at Arsenal!