Clarke ready to return for Down after 13-year gap
FORMER All-Star Marty Clarke could be set for a sensational come back with Down. The 36-year–old has not played for the county in 13 years and is currently a selector with the Division 3 table-toppers, but he is now being considered to play a fly goal keeping role. Meanwhile, Conor Glass is favourite to be named club footballer of the year after being shortlisted with Ben O’Carroll and Shane Walsh, with David Burke, Paddy Deegan and David Fogarty shortlisted for the hurling player of the year. All-Ireland champions Glen and St Brigid’s dominate the football selection with Walsh and Paul Mannion of Kilmacud Crokes both making the cut in attack. Munster champions Castlehaven from west Cork have only one representative, full forward Brian Hurley, while Scotstown’s Rory Beggan gets the nod as goalkeeper. Beggan is currently pursuing a career in American football as a specialist kicker. In hurling, Waterford’s Dessie Hutchinson is one of three representatives from Munster champions Ballygunner, with Paddy Leavey and Peter Hogan. CLUB PLAYER AWARDS 2023: FOOTBALL: R Beggan (Scotstown); R Dougan (Glen), B Stack, P Frost; R Fallon (all St Brigid’s), C McFaul, M Warnock; C Glass, E Bradley; E Mulholland (all Glen), P Mannion; S Walsh (both Kilmacud); B O’Carroll (St Brigid’s), D Kirwan (Naas), B Hurley (Castlehaven). HURLING: G Kelly (St Thomas’); P Burke (Cushendall), F Burke (St Thomas’), H Lawlor; D Fogarty (O’Loughlin Gaels), P Deegan (all O’Loughlin Gaels), S Cooney; D Burke (both St Thomas’), P Leavey (Ballygunner); M Bergin (O’Loughlin Gaels), C Cooney (St Thomas’), P Hogan; D Hutchinson (both Ballygunner), É Burke (St Thomas’), N McManus (Cushendall).