‘I couldn’t have been more proud of him’ memorial in John Paul’s honour

A WELL-attended memorial football match in memory of a local man who successfully overcame alcoholism, but tragically passed away from cancer last January, was held in Jobstown Park last weekend.

John Paul Clarke, who was from Cushlawn in Tallaght, passed away at the start of the year at age 38, after succumbing to stomach cancer that had spread to his liver.

In the three years before his death, John Paul had turned his life around after more than 15 years of being a chronic alcoholic.

He successfully received treatment in the Coolmine Treatment Centre for his addiction, and went on to learn how to drive, secured permanent work as a labourer and began to rebuild his life.

John Paul’s brother, Christopher Clarke, told The Echo: “John Paul learned how to drive, had a brilliant job, got his own place and was very fulfilled in his life.

“It was immense.

Family members of John Paul enjoying the match

I couldn’t have been more proud of him.”

Last August, John Paul received a devastating cancer diagnosis, which was made all the more upsetting for him and his family as he had just gotten his life back on track.

“He was diagnosed in August with stomach cancer, and it had travelled into his liver, but it was so bad from the drinking that he couldn’t recover,” explained Christopher.

“It was devastating, because of how proud we all were of him for turning his life around.”

John Paul

One of John Paul’s greatest passions in life was football, which motivated Christopher and John Paul’s best friend, Paul Griffin, to hold a match in his memory.

Over 100 people attended the match last Saturday, where three teams were fielded: Tamhlacht FC, Coolmine FC, and John Paul Legend.

Christopher is a member of Tamhlacht FC, the Coolmine FC team was made up of people who, similarly to John Paul, are in recovery from addiction, while his friends formed John Paul Legend.

“I was over-the-moon, my breath was taken away by it,” said Christopher.

“It was outstanding to see the amount of people there and the respect John Paul had from the community.

“He would’ve loved it.

“His friend, Paul, was playing in the match but every time he touched the ball, he’d fall over.

“He said John Paul is up there, tripping me up!”

While Christopher said he isn’t yet sure if the match will become an annual event, he did want to thank all of the people who showed up on the day and supported it.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.