Women in Sport: Clare Clarke And The Inspirational Legacy That She Has Left Behind

Last Saturday, January 31^st, the ladies gaelic football community and the wider public were left in shock with the news that the inspirational Clare Clarke had passed away following a brave battle with cancer. Clare, who spoke to Her.ie on previous occasions to highlight the work she was doing for Climb (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery), sadly passed away on the day of one of her greatest achievements. Here, we look back at the legacy the brave and determined 35-year-old has left behind, a legacy that will surely be carried on by all those who have supported her along the way. ____________________________________________ Last Saturday was an extremely sad day, as the inspiration behind Climb4Clare, Clare Clarke, did not get the chance to see her plans come to fruition. The day marked the first Climb facilitators completing their training in LARCC, Multyfarnham in Co. Westmeath, a significant step in the rollout of the programme in Ireland. The idea was born when Clare herself was diagnosed with cancer. At the time, her two daughters were both very young and Clare, decided that she needed to get help for her children to deal with what their mother was going through. It was from this that she found that there were extremely limited services available to help children in these difficult and confusing times. When Clare discovered Climb, a service available only in Belfast and Tuam, she decided that this was a programme that was needed throughout the country. Climb is a programme for children aged between 5 and 12 years who are experiencing the impact of a cancer diagnosis on a close relative. The programme allows children to come together in a friendly environment where they can share their experiences with other children who are facing the same issues. The course uses drama, arts and games to help the children to develop an understanding of cancer and help dispel some of the myths and fears surrounding the disease. Clare worked for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) for 12 years and was a popular and much loved figure for all involved in the sport. When she decided to work towards the introduction of the Climb course throughout the country she linked up with the LGFA who agreed to help raise funds in association with the Irish Cancer Society through the Climb4Clare initiative. All proceeds raised from their efforts went directly into funding the introduction and maintenance of the course and LGFA players, clubs and counties across the country began to get involved and lend their support. Despite her failing health, Clare showed typical bravery and determination as she acted as the public face of the fundraising drive, speaking publicly at the annual LGFA Congress and then delivering an amazing and impassioned appeal at the 2014 TG4 All Star Awards. Thanks to Clare’s hard work, and the response of clubs and counties throughout the country, enough funds were raised to establish the programme at nine centres across Ireland. Fundraising will continue in the coming months and years to ensure that the course will not only be available in these centres, but that it will also extended to all interested centres the length and breadth of the country. “On Friday last, January 30^th, 15 facilitators gathered in LARCC where they received the training, from Rachel Smith from Cancer Focus NI, that they needed and the skills required to deliver the course to children,” explained the LGFA. “The two-day training course finished on Saturday and shortly afterwards the news broke that Clare had lost her battle with the disease. It is fitting that Clare was able to defy medical predictions until the day that her dream came true.” Also speaking recently, LGFA President Pat Quill said; “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Clare Clarke and especially her husband Ciarán and her daughters Ava and Katie. “Clare was a great friend to so many people. We were lucky to have had the pleasure of having Clare work with us in the LGFA for the past 12 years. It was Clare’s dream that Climb would be introduced around the country, a dream that she fulfilled. “This is Clare’s legacy and Climb4Clare will continue to raise funds to ensure that the vision that Clare had will continue to be realised for years to come.” Clare, 35, is survived by her husband, Ciarán, and young daughters, Katie and Ava who were the motivation for Clare to become involved with the Climb programme. Donations can be made to the Climb programme here. http://youtu.be/PPpNKOJlFFg Video via YouTube/by Jerome Quinn for LadiesFootballTV.