20 years of stellar service, David Clarke gave a lifetime to Mayo GAA.
The Ballina Stephenites player first arrived onto the Mayo senior panel in 2001 and ever since making his debut in the League in 2002, he has been a key player for his county.
Winning All-Stars in both 2016 and 2017, Clarke was one of the greatest shot-stoppers the game has ever seen right up until his final game in the 2020 All-Ireland final. He won nine Connacht titles and two National Leagues during his career.
Still minding the Mayo net, 19 years after he was first called into the panel.
David Clarke is still going strong ✊ pic.twitter.com/ZXa4oACq2M
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) December 7, 2020
In his time on the panel, the goalkeeper won nine Connacht titles and one League title. In a short retirement statement this morning, Clarke said he ‘lived the dream’ and thanked all who have helped him along the way.
“Today I have decided it is the right time for me to step away from Mayo Senior Football team. I have lived my dream and taken so much from the experience. I want to thank all of my past managers, coaches, medical staff and county board officials, from when I was U16, minor, U21 and senior. I’d like to give a special mention to my goalkeeper coaches Eugene Lavin, Peter Burke and Tom Higgins who helped bring out the best in me.
I’m grateful to my club, Ballina Stephenites, their coaches and my school teachers who helped me develop as a player and to love the game. I am grateful to my work colleagues in An Garda Siochana, your support and flexibility ensured I was able to compete at the highest level.
Special thanks to my parents, Frank and Gertie and my sister, Sarah, who always supported and encouraged me. To my wife, Paula and daughters, Sadie and Lucy thanks for your understanding and support while I lived my dream. To the Mayo supporters, thank you for the support, it does make a difference.
Finally, to all the players I have played with, it was an honour to wear the jersey with you. I now look forward to giving more time to my club and returning to being a Mayo fan again.”
David Clarke has today confirmed his retirement after 20 years service with Mayo. Everyone within Mayo GAA thanks David for all his efforts and wishes him all the best in the future.https://t.co/DFgETdkrLf #mayogaa pic.twitter.com/NQsCLcTa0E
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 4, 2021
