St. Comgall’s GAC and the wider GAA community in Antrim are saddened by the tragic and sudden death of former player, Arnie Clarke. Former St. Comgall’s manager, Gerard McAuley said “Arnie was a tenacious battler in our mid-field for a number of years, a great trainer and all-round clubman.

Another spokesperson for Naomh Comgall said, “There has been great sadness following the death of a good friend” He never missed training and always loved a challenge both on and off the pitch, would back down to no-one from the day he got into the senior team” he said.

Arnie Clarke, aged 56 was on a visit home from France where he worked with Michelin. Mr Clarke relocated to France with a number of colleagues after the Ballymena factory closed and was very popular with the group who attended his Requiem Mass today in St. Comgall’s Parish Church.

Many tributes have been paid to the former St. Comgall’s player. One read “ Goodbye dear sweet friend we can’t believe you’re gone. Life in France won’t be the same without you. Rip Arnie Clarke, we will never forget you”

The Saffron Gael offers its sincere sympathy to his partner, father, mother, sons, daughter and brothers and the wider family circle.

Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him.