Clarke at a distance from Cavan-Monaghan hype

Shercock native Killian Clarke has close ties to Monaghan

IN normal circumstances, Cavan captain Killian Clarke would have to make an extra special effort to insulate himself from the friendly banter associated with their age-old rivalry with Monaghan, who they face in this Sunday’s Ulster Championship quarter-final.

During his school days, Clarke crossed enemy lines more times than you’d care to mention as a native of Cavan border town Shercock and student at Monaghan school Patrician High Carrickmacross.

Not surprisingly, he’s a built up a steady stream of Monaghan contacts over the years considering his close proximity to the Farney County, but for once he’s been able to remove himself from the hype enveloping the Cavan/Monaghan borderlands.

“It is the first time I haven’t been at home, I’m up in Dublin working so I miss out on the buzz a bit.

“I went to school in Carrickmacross and I’d have a lot of relations on the Monaghan border and the slagging was always good.

“I can’t remember too many games as a child. The first I remember was an Ulster Minor semi-final against Monaghan and it was a massive game for us. I think it took something special out of [Conor] McManus for them to win.”

The full interview with Killian Clarke is available in store today or online here.