Mayo goalkeeper David Clarke has announced his retirement after 20 years with the senior county squad.
Clarke made the announcement today, meaning his last Mayo appearance was the All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin.
In a stellar career, Clarke won eight Connacht titles, two National Leagues and two All-Star awards.
Clarke also won an All-Ireland medal with his club Ballina Stephenites in 2005.
David Clarke has today confirmed his retirement after 20 years service with Mayo. Everyone within Mayo GAA thanks David for all his efforts and wishes him all the best in the future.https://t.co/DFgETdkrLf #mayogaa pic.twitter.com/NQsCLcTa0E
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 4, 2021
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The 37-year-old made his retirement announcement in a statement that was released by Mayo GAA.
“Today I have decided it is the right time for me to step away from Mayo senior football team. I have lived my dream and taken so much from the experience. I want to thank all of my past managers, coaches, medical staff and county board officials, from when I was U16, minor, U21 and senior. I’d like to give a special mention to my goalkeeper coaches Eugene Lavin, Peter Burke and Tom Higgins who helped bring out the best in me.
“I’m grateful to my club, Ballina Stephenites, their coaches and my school teachers who helped me develop as a player and to love the game. I am grateful to my work colleagues in An Garda Siochana, your support and flexibility ensured I was able to compete at the highest level.
“Special thanks to my parents, Frank and Gertie and my sister, Sarah, who always supported and encouraged me. To my wife, Paula and daughters, Sadie and Lucy thanks for your understanding and support while I lived my dream. To the Mayo supporters, thank you for the support, it does make a difference.
“Finally, to all the players I have played with, it was an honour to wear the jersey with you. I now look forward to giving more time to my club and returning to being a Mayo fan again.”
