Remembering Kildare GAA legend Jim Clarke

It was announced on Tuesday January 3 that Kildare GAA legend Jim Clarke of Ballymore Eustace had passed away.

Jim Clarke was predeceased by his wife Nancy and is survived by his children Anne, Brendan, Marie, Pauline, Seamus and Una, sister in law, Eileen as well as daughters in law, sons in law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As both a player and a manager Jim Clarke is written into the history and lineage of Kildare football. In his playing days, Jim was a part of the Leinster Senior Football Championship winning side in 1956, an achievement that would not be replicated by any Kildare team until 42 years later in 1998.

As a manager, Jim added national success to his CV with his previous provincial accomplishments when he was manager of the Kildare team which won the All Ireland U21 title in 1965.

As well as Leinster championship successes in the following three years. Jim also brought a Lilywhite minor team to a Leinster final win in 1973 to cap off years of success with Kildare’s underrage sides. Jim's Minor side that year also lost narrowly to Tyrone in the All-Ireland final.

If there was a Kildare GAA hall of fame there is no doubt that Jim Clarke would have cemented his place in it a long time ago. It is a sentiment that has been echoed a lot online as another legendary figure in Kildare sport is lost.

In honouring his achievements we must be sure to mention what many people have shared about him in the days since his passing. Most have not shared stories of his medals and trophies but instead recalled the pleasant words that were exchanged in conversation on sidelines across the county. They have reminisced about the little moments that were shared between themselves and Jim in the time that they knew him.

Jim Clarke was also far from just a Kildare county legend, he also won it all at club level for his beloved Ballymore Eustace. Jim won Junior, Intermediate and Senior Football Championships with his club in a rarely seen hattrick in GAA terms, to win titles at all levels of club football. Jim remained involved in Ballymore Eustace for years and in 2016 won the Gaelic Sport Volunteer of the year award.

Ballymore Eustace released a statement following Jim's passing, “It was with deep sadness to hear of the passing of the GAA legend that is Jim Clarke. The Club wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to Anne, Brendan, Marie, Pauline, Seamus and Úna and the extended Clarke family at this sad time. Ar dheis dé go raibh a hanam”

The GAA wasn’t Jim’s only interest in sport as he also served as an officer for both Ballymore Eustace and Kildare Handball Boards.

Whatever he turned his hand to both in and out of sport, Jim had success and left an impression on so many people. That could be seen in the outpouring of support and celebration of his achievements that have been online in the days since the announcement of his passing.

Rest in peace, Jim Clarke.