10 March 2005 - Taken from Belfast Telegraph

Martin Clarke is top of the class today - the footballing class, that is.
The St Louis, Kilkeel pupil is the winner of the latest Tennent's Ulster GAA Writers monthly merit award following his outstanding performances in both the Bank of Ireland MacRory Cup quarter-final and semi-final ties.

"I'm absolutely delighted and stunned at this great honour," enthused Martin, "Coming off the back of winning a Bank of Ireland Colleges' Allstar and getting to the MacRory final it is amazing. I read about Stephen O'Neill winning last month and saw him on television and I thought how nice it must be to win the award but I never thought that I would be the next winner."

A Down Minor last year, Martin has another season left at under-18 level. Last season he won MacLarnon Cup and All-Ireland 'B' Championship medals with St Louis' and he has collected two under-16 championship and two league medals with An Riocht. A regular free-taker, Martin scored a peach of a goal against St MacCartan's last month.

His contribution to the St Louis cause so far has been immense and the team are now gearing up for their Bank of Ireland MacRory Cup showdown against Omagh CBS on St Patrick's Day.

St Louis coach Cathal Murray is looking forward to the contest and is delighted that Martin Clarke has been honoured by the Writers' Association.

"It's a great feather in the cap of the school," says Cathal.

Others in the running for the February award were Tyrone's Stephen O'Neill (again), Adrian Scullion (Down), Peter Armour (Stewartstown), Ciarán Strain (Pomeroy), Omagh CBS coach Kieran Donnelly, St Louis' coach Cathal Murray and US Collegiate Handball champion Charly Shanks (Armagh).

Martin received his award of a sports voucher from Tennent's Ireland, training gear from Pro*Star Sport, a Belleek China engraved vase, specially designed cuff links from Cloicín and two tickets plus overnight accommodation to the GAA Writers' banquet from Bass Ireland Sponsorship Manager Brian Hoouston at a presentation in the Bass Ireland Brewery at Glen Road, Belfast.