Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Eoin Brosnan | Paddy Bradley | Sean Cavanagh Aidan Carr | Kevin Cassidy | Ronan Clarke | Bryan Cullen | Colm Cooper
Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Kieran Donahy | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Leighton Glynn | Ciaran Hanratty
Stephen Kernan | James Masters | Andy McClean | Oisin McConville
Ciaran McDonald | Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Barry Monaghan
Finnian Moriarty | Adrian Morrissey | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Nicholas Murphy | Eamon O'Hara | Stephen O'Neill
Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé | Declan O'Sullivan | Colm Parkinson | Tomás Quinn
Donal Shine | Ciaran Whelan | Fergal Doherty
To dominate Ulster football in this day and age you need some very special players. Players like Ronan Clarke.
Since his emergence as one of the top young talents in the game in 2002 he has gone from strength to strength. This year alone has brought him Ulster Championship success, the Irish News Ulster Allstars Player of the Year award, and a nomination for the GPA Player of the Year award.
Ronan is no stranger to success. In his few short years in the senior set-up he has won three Ulster Championship titles. Indeed, he won an All-Ireland medal and the Young Player of the Year award in his debut year, and was agonisingly close to a second All-Ireland medal in 2003.
This year, he scored three points in Armagh’s Ulster final defeat of Donegal, before losing to an unstoppable Kerry side in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
It was a painful exit for Armagh, who are desparate to repeat the success of 2002. But with talent like Ronan Clarke on their side, they shouldn’t have to wait too long before adding another San Maguire to their roll-of-homour.
Armagh won the Ulster Championship but lost to Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final. How do you rate your season?
The Ulster Championship was very tough and we were playing very well at that stage. We were disappointed with the Kerry game. We didn’t play well in the second half and against a team like Kerry you have to play for the full 70 minutes.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the Ulster Minor title with my club Pearse Óg in 2000. It was a great occasion for everyone involved in the team. Winning the All-Ireland with Armagh in 2002 was also an unbelievable moment.
Who are the toughest team you have ever faced?
On the inter-county scene it has to be Tyrone, and at club level it’s Crossmaglen Rangers.
Who are the toughest opponents out there?
It has to be my Pearse Óg clubmate Andy Mallon who I come up against a lot in training.
Which players do you admire the most?
Kieran McKenny, the Armagh goalkeeper. He’s a true pro and loves the game.
Who was your childhood hero?
Roy Keane.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
Pearse Óg are my club and our biggest rivals would be Armagh Harps.
Do you play any other sports?
I play a bit of soccer.
What’s the most important skill in the game, in your opinion?
The punt pass. You should always practise this, working with both feet. It is a very effective way of getting the ball to a teammate.
Do you have any superstitions?
Before a game I always sit in the same seat and tape up my boots in the dressing room.
What are your hopes for the future?
We have to regroup and get back to playing our best football. Hopefully we can give the Ulster and All-Ireland a big push next year.
What advice would you give to young players?
Don’t forget your studies, get a good education and strive to be the best you can be on the football field and in everything you do.
Name: Ronan Clarke
Age: 24
Team: Armagh
Debut: 2002 v Antrim
Position: Half-forward
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Senior title,
3 Ulster Senior titles,
1 National Football League title,
1 Ulster Minor Club title,
2003 Young Player of the Year,
2006 Ulster Player of the Year.
Club: Pearse Óg
Fav Food: Pasta Carbonara
Fav Book: Lord of the Music
Fav Music: U2
Fav Film: Last of the Mohicans
Fav TV: The Sunday Game
Fav Team: Wigan Athletic
Hobbies: Soccer
Occupation: Sales Executive with Harvest Juice
CÚLFACT:
Ronan plays his club football with Pearse Óg alongside his five
brothers!
© December 2006 |
