New role for Marty Clarke as AFL step up Irish focus

Former Down player Marty Clarke has begun a new role mentoring young Gaelic footballers identified as Aussie Rules prospects, as the AFL switches its recruitment focus away from the USA and back to Ireland.

Clarke, who played in the 2010 All-Ireland final with Down and had two spells Down Under with Collingwood, has worked as an AFL coach at its Irish combines.

But his new part-time position will step up his involvement in the supply of talent to the Australian game.