Newtown Blues are mourning the losses of three "Blues stalwarts" in recent days.

The Drogheda club has expressed its sympathies to the families of honorary president, trainer, player and senior manager Jacko Smith, former player and senior mentor Frank 'Ja' Clarke and former club secretary John McCormack.

As a mark of respect all field activity was postponed last Friday night, including the senior team's Paddy Sheelan Cup match.

Newtown Blues' neighbours O'Raghallaighs also have reason to remember 'Ja' Clarke fondly…

"It is with great sadness that O'Raghallaighs GFC learn of the passing of our friend Frank "Ja" Clarke," a tribute posted on the club's Facebook page reads.

"Ja was a great GAA man on and off the field, most notably for Louth and for our esteemed neighbours, Newtown Blues, but long after he graced those great jerseys, he arrived as coach to the O'Raghallaighs in 1999. In fact, he was the first ever "outside" coach of our club, a big step at that time but one many in our club regard as the best step we ever made!

"Ja proved to be a catalyst that elevated our club back to levels that we hadn't experienced in two decades. He brought a new way of thinking to our players, young and old, he preached hard work and enjoyment, he made training and playing football fun but always with a view to winning, hard but fair! His way with players was to be straight, brutally honest, yet always fair. As a result, his criticism never hurt, we just wanted to please Ja.

"His man-management was exceptional, yet natural. Football was simple to Ja, get fit, work hard, enjoy it, believe in yourself, and you will win! Simple! We did win. We won the Junior Championship under Ja in 2001, having last won it in 1991, with a team that included several 18 year olds, lads that to this day revere Ja Clarke. He trusted them, he backed them, and they rewarded him, but then, he knew they would! Ja changed the mentality of the footballers in our club, he made them into winners, which is all he himself understood, winning.

"Ja never ever accepted losing, and he passed that on to our players, thus starting over a decade of success for our club on the field. We often over use the term "legend", but anyone who knew Ja, like we in the O'Raghallaighs knew him, knows that we have lost a true legend, not simply in GAA terms, but as a person, anyone who ever met Ja Clarke remembered him! Thanks Ja for everything. In a few short years here you contributed massively to our club and we have never, and will never, forget your contribution, we miss you already but we have your memory and will never forget it.

"Our sincere condolences to Georgina and to your family, especially to Neil who played for us for many years, and also of course to your club Newtown Blues. We will keep you Ja at the heart of our club forever."

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