The passing of former Louth senior football manager Paddy Clarke in November was acutey felt throughout Meath GAA circles. A hugelyrespected figure in GAA coaching circles throughout the country, Clarke was in charge of the Wee county from 1997 to 2001. Two of his most notable achievements were an All-Ireland 'B' championship success in 1997 and a National Football League Division 2 title in 2000. The Drogheda man began his GAA managerial career with Mattock Rangers in 1974 and his impressive CV also included club senior championship wins in Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan and Dublin. 

His first involvment in Meath was with the 1975 Meath minor side which included Col O'Rourke amongst its ranks. Another one of the many Royal County teams he was involved with was an U-12 team in the late eighties that included future All-Ireland senior winners Darren Fay, Paddy Reynolds, Barry Callaghan and Ray Magee.  He later went on to guide Magee and Kilmainhamwood to Keegan Cup glory in 1995. The affable Clarke was also involved when St.Colmcille's won the 1988 Meath IFC title. With former Meath midfield great Gerry McEntee as a selector, he coached St.Brigid's of Blanchardstown to Leinster Club SFC success in 2003 and was also assistant to Ireland International Rules manager Brian McEniff in 2000 and 2001 . 

A very friendly and approachable man, Paddy will be sadly missed by all Meath Gaels who were lucky enough to know him.