Hine dismisses Clarke speculation

A SENIOR member of AFL side Collingwood has dismissed suggestions that Down’s Martin Clarke is set for a quick return to Australia.

Clarke quit Aussie Rules to return home to the Mourne County and is named in the side to face Donegal in tomorrow’s mouthwatering Ulster SFC quarter-final.

Collingwood’s recruitment manager, Derek Hine said: “I know Martin really well and of course we’d love him to come back at some point in the future but at no stage has he indicated to the club that he would like to do that.

“In all the communication and all the conversations we’ve had, both in Ireland and since I got back, he’s never indicated that. And I wouldn’t ask him. I just wouldn’t put him in that position.

“I went to watch him play a game when I was over there and he played really well, which is an indication of how happy he is and how comfortable he is in what he’s doing.”

The An Riocht clubman played 46 Premiership games for Collingwood before returning home last September to resume his Gaelic football career.

“We really hope that it goes well for him,” Hine said. “Martin stayed with me and my family for three years when he was out here and I talk to him regularly, as friends do.”

Hine said Collingwood’ players were also taking a keen interest in Clarke’s Gaelic football endeavours.

“Martin was really close to a few of the boys here and they know that I talk to him regularly so they always ask how he’s going over there and really want to see him do well,” he said.

Meanwhile the 2010 Coca-Cola GAA Féile Peile na nÓg finals were officially launched in Derry yesterday by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana.

2010 marks the 29th anniversary of the competition, which are the All-Ireland U14 boys and girls gaelic football finals. July — 04th July.

Up to 4,000 youths from Clubs throughout Ireland and beyond will participate in the competition over the three days, starting on Friday July 2 with the annual Féile Parade in Derry and culminating with the Divisional finals in Celtic Park on Sunday July 4.

Full details are available from www.feiledhoire2010.ie