Home comforts lure back Clarke

THE trickle of young Irishmen ditching their nascent careers in the AFL for a return home is fast becoming a flood following yesterday’s confirmation that Down’s Martin Clarke has decided to join the exodus.

Clarke’s reasoning for making the trip back to Ireland is a familiar one – homesickness – and it seems he made his mind up last month while home to attend his sister’s wedding.

“He’s an outstanding talent who is very highly regarded by his peers and everyone at the club, and he will be missed,” said Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh yesterday.