CUP & AT 'EM

Veteran Clarke determined to give Saints a game in a competition he just loves

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

BRENDAN CLARKE knows what it takes to win the FAI Cup having done it twice with two separate clubs.

But one of his standout cup memories has a more personal touch, even if it was followed by a chastening defeat in a final.

Clarke explained: “The cup final in 2022, stood out on the pitch, listening to my son beside me singing the national anthem off the top of his voice!

“These are the small little memories that the cup offers you and it’s something we're looking to make more memories this year.”

Clarke was Shelbourne’s goalkeeper that day and on the receiving end of a 4-0 drubbing by Derry City.

He has enjoyed better days in the final, winning the famous trophy with Sligo Rovers in 2011 and then again with St Pat's in 2014.