ARMAGH forward Jamie Clarke had sporting success in a different code last weekend as he helped local soccer club Cartwheel United to some silverware.
The Crossmaglen man hasn’t played Gaelic football for either club or county since the Rangers’ defeat by Castlebar Mitchel's in February’s All-Ireland club semi-final. It’s understood he had been travelling briefly after that game before returning to Ireland and signing for Cartwheel United, who play in the First Division of the Carnbane League.
Last Friday night, they defied their underdog status to overcome Newry Celtic in the AOH Cup final, with Clarke scoring the opening goal after 17 minutes. The Crossmaglen-based side added another goal in the second-half to complete a 2-0 win, securing the first cup success in the club’s 35-year association with the Carnbane League.
Their manager Peter Byrne revealed Clarke had put back a flight to the United States in order to play the game, though it’s understood he is still due to fly out this week.
“Jamie had his flight booked for today [Friday] but, after our semi-final win against Killeavy last week, he gave me his word that he’d be there for the final, so credit to him.
“Armagh GAA’s loss has been our gain as, from the first day Jamie signed for us, he has been first class,” Byrne told the Newry Democrat.
Clarke opted out of the Armagh setup before the start of the season to travel. He had played in last summer’s Championship before travelling to New York, returning to help Crossmaglen win back the Ulster club title in November.
As things stand, his club are planning without him for their Championship campaign, which they will begin against Dromintee as they go in search of what would be a 20th Armagh title in 21 years.
