Clarke, the older brother of Down star Martin, also took a swipe at critics on internet discussion forums in the wake of the five-point loss to Armagh last month.
"You get a lot of criticism, you don't mind people criticising you to your face, but you do have your critics who sit behind computer screens and are on discussion boards, which is cowardly," he said.
John Clarke has quit inter-county football after saying his "heart wasn't in it" following the Ulster SFC defeat to Armagh.
The 28-year An Riocht clubman added that he has left the county set-up "on good terms".
"I wouldn't be one for doing things half-hearted and if I wasn't going back fully committed with my heart in it, there was probably no point," he said.
However, Clarke has not ruled out a future return to the county colours.
"After the Armagh game it just got to the point where I just thought it wouldn't be fair to continue," he told the Irish News.
"I believed I would be doing myself an injustice and I'd be doing the team an injustice.
"I thought the time was right for the time being anyway - never say never in football - but as of now I've played my last game for Down.
"I've got a lot of time for (manager) James McCartan and I think the feeling is mutual, so I've left on good terms."
Clarke, the older brother of Down star Martin, also took a swipe at critics on internet discussion forums in the wake of the five-point loss to Armagh last month.
"You get a lot of criticism, you don't mind people criticising you to your face, but you do have your critics who sit behind computer screens and are on discussion boards, which is cowardly," he said.
"Players and managers alike take a lot of abuse. That's not the reason why I'm retiring, but there's criticism and there's criticism."
Theres 3 threads could be merged here perhaps all with cross overs: M Clarke and Heaney, M Harte and RTE, J Clarke and Hoganstand etc. Could Heaneys article be misinterpretated as using his article as a form of almost bulling to get his way, against Marty who in fairness seems a non media type who the media would love to have on speed dial. I remember his article post Mc Rory cup final a few years ago which was gushing about the young lad, now simply because hes pissed him off hes prepared to use his article to have a go at him - perhaps, perhaps not.
Build them up, knock them down tabloidism is maybe no longer just for the red tops and thats the way GAA reporting appears to be going. Im sure it will have the opposite effect and drive Marty away. Interestingly enough at the Bredagh night pre all ireland final last year as the team selection came through and was being disected there was a lot of critical talk about John starting. Did Paddy not make or was it someone else the comment that Marty only plays (or wants to play) if John plays for Down - as a neutral watching in that night I felt If I had played such an important part in getting my county to an all ireland final I would be well annoyed if I felt supporters and media were attributing my approach to nepotism. Id have been pissed off too. The media, supporters and fans need to have a little respect for the voluntary efforts of our players and respect their reasons for playing the sport, but dont bite at them too much because I wouldnt want a Tyrone man leaving a county career after 10 years dedication feeling as pissed off as John. Similarly if Mickey wants to do something that we dont all like then dont savage him. He dosent have to do anything more for us than line out a team, RTE are prepared to let a goat like pat spillane dominate our presentation of Gaelic games they are not as knowledgable about the promotion of the game as some might think. Bad day for supporters and media types perhaps - But Ill certainly not criticise Mickey, Marty and John for that.
I must have missed some of the comments. I did a search on the match thread and could only find things like 'great club footballer, not county' etc.
If the above is the extent of the criticism, is that out of order? Are we not allowed to write what we feel, only say it in bars/loanans/confessions?
Maybe I've missed the stuff he's on about.
I've read pretty much everything that has been said about John Clarke on these boards and in truth the worst that has been said is that he isn't quite good enough for inter-county football. People have pointed out that he scores less than the other forwards around him. No one has ever called into question his attitude, his character or his honesty.
People are certainly entitled to hold their opinions and I don't think you can justify quitting the county just because some fans don't think you are good enough to be on the team, it's not as if he has been the subject of any verbal abuse.
I've always been a supporter of John's because his movement helped create a lot of scores but I think he is wrong about this. Surely if the county team mates and management think he is good enough then that should be all he needs to judge him. After all I don't think Caolan Mooney will quit tomorrow because a few people have expressed here that he is too inexperienced to be there.
Quote from: hardstation on June 08, 2011, 01:45:14 PM
I heard that he just threw the head up and walked off the training pitch when it started to rain.
:D :D :D
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2011, 01:34:04 PM
I must have missed some of the comments. I did a search on the match thread and could only find things like 'great club footballer, not county' etc.
If the above is the extent of the criticism, is that out of order? Are we not allowed to write what we feel, only say it in bars/loanans/confessions?
Maybe I've missed the stuff he's on about.
There was very little posted about John as far as I could see but maybe he is sticking up for his wee brother who has been the subject of quite a bit of debate on here anyway. Again, nobody really ridiculed Martin, the bulk of the stuff posted on here was debating whether he was over hyped or not.
Next thing will be these players looking to ban pubs because the guys on the bar stools are criticising them!!!
Yes thats what happened.
Really that is the truth Hardstation, you're right.
Rain, it really was that simple.
Who would have thought.
More please. Another nuggett if you will.
(http://allmetalresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tissues.jpg)
have to say that I feel sorry for John Clarke. Recall feeling sorry for him each time I watch down as the poor fecker invariably gets taken off at some point. Thats depite him doing a couple of good things like scoring a point or creating a score from a good quick link pass or creating space for a score as a very unselfish forward.
The ball just doesnt seem to go in to him either so as per usual, its eithe rthe corner forward or full forward or corner back thats taken off when the game is being lost in the middle third of the field.
Give the lad some time away to get the hunger back. I hope he returns.
Very strange time for any player to call time on his county career. Sounds a bit impulsive if you ask me. Would have thought wee James would have sorted it.
Yes he is a limited enough player but still had a role to play with Down. Big decision. Could he live to regret it?
Just seen this. Most likely Hoganstand.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 08, 2011, 04:31:19 PM
Just seen this. Most likely Hoganstand.
Well if he quit because of comments on
hoganstand trollstand then he's not sharpest knife in the drawer? at least we have some constructive criticism here that should inspire the players to prove us wrong.
Best of Luck to John, i know i have maybe said in prior posts that he may not be the best player in the world but he tries and gave all for Down.
To be honest though would a bad player really make it into the Down forwards.
john i hope no one on this board has soured your love for your county and i hope you dont regret this decision asa player only has a short career.
Maybe answering your critics would have been your best response.
after all none of us on the board are good enough to be a county footballer(i think) and the commitment you have given to Down over the years is brilliant.
Best of luck big lad.
PS only a fool would question the ability of your brother Marty
A good footballerand fine servant of Down footballer, hope he reconsiders his decision, as i feel he will regret it in years to come. Whatever he decides i am sure all genuine Down fans will support him and wish him well
On the committee room tonight Vincent Hogan was talking about some of the gaa forums being "vicious" in the context of John Clarkes statement about criticism of players.
I honestly don't get this.
Which forums is he talking about?
This place polices itself pretty well and you can't say boo on hoganstand or the moderator will pull it.
An fear rua is pretty tightly controlled as well.
I'm a bit puzzled to be honest.
Maybe he's talking about this.
Quote from: ONeill on April 25, 2011, 03:02:59 PM
Quote from: Hardy on April 25, 2011, 02:55:38 PM
Every good player has a brother who was twice as good but never made it.
Called John.
:D
I think we're nearing the bash-the-forums annual.
A couple of years ago we had the Antrim chairman called us something like faceless contemptible idiots. Mickey Harte labelled users as empty vessels. Now Clarke. I imagine we're gonna see a rash of articles on the anonymous keyboard warriors.
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2011, 11:10:42 PM
I think we're nearing the bash-the-forums annual.
A couple of years ago we had the Antrim chairman called us something like faceless contemptible idiots. Mickey Harte labelled users as empty vessels. Now Clarke. I imagine we're gonna see a rash of articles on the anonymous keyboard warriors.
The Dr. used to refer to us as an "internet gossip shop", "faceless" characters hiding behind a "cloak of anonymity".
Let's be clear, John Clarke didn't hang up the boots because of a bit of online slagging. If he did then he's a fool and deserves any slagging that comes his way. Hoors like Galvin have taken absolute dogs abuse and came back for more so come on John don't take the easy option.
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2011, 11:10:42 PM
I think we're nearing the bash-the-forums annual.
A couple of years ago we had the Antrim chairman called us something like faceless contemptible idiots. Mickey Harte labelled users as empty vessels. Now Clarke. I imagine we're gonna see a rash of articles on the anonymous keyboard warriors.
You started it.
Hope you're happy.
Quote from: Jinxy on June 08, 2011, 11:59:42 PM
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2011, 11:10:42 PM
I think we're nearing the bash-the-forums annual.
A couple of years ago we had the Antrim chairman called us something like faceless contemptible idiots. Mickey Harte labelled users as empty vessels. Now Clarke. I imagine we're gonna see a rash of articles on the anonymous keyboard warriors.
You started it.
Hope you're happy.
Is that a joke?
Contemptible, anonymous lunatics according to this, from the Antrim website.
QuoteReply :You might well get away with posting this type of crap on another webiste that allows this sort of nonsense, but it wont happen here. This sort of vile and filthy abuse is not tolerated on this site or any other forum that exerts even a modicum of control over what is posted. Contemptible, anonymous lunatics like you are the cause of serious personal abuse and unacceptable pressures on players, coaches and managers. Their family lives have been affected by some of the comments posted on "GAABoard" and the County Chairman called for this website to be shut down in his speech to convention last year. We are certain that if you were prepared to identify yourself, he would gladly let you know exactly the harm that has been done to individuals and families as result of comments posted on this wewbsite. Undoubtedly a coward like you won't do that!
Although it was subsequently removed.
Quote from: saffron sam2 on June 09, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
Contemptible, anonymous lunatics according to this, from the Antrim website.
QuoteReply :You might well get away with posting this type of crap on another webiste that allows this sort of nonsense, but it wont happen here. This sort of vile and filthy abuse is not tolerated on this site or any other forum that exerts even a modicum of control over what is posted. Contemptible, anonymous lunatics like you are the cause of serious personal abuse and unacceptable pressures on players, coaches and managers. Their family lives have been affected by some of the comments posted on "GAABoard" and the County Chairman called for this website to be shut down in his speech to convention last year. We are certain that if you were prepared to identify yourself, he would gladly let you know exactly the harm that has been done to individuals and families as result of comments posted on this wewbsite. Undoubtedly a coward like you won't do that!
Although it was subsequently removed.
100% correct if he was on about the nordies ;D
Thon Antrim site is great.
(http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/e35b5bd11fb0f005ecae06cdea55e051419cd9da54e79b4570cee565f6c01f276g.jpg)
Quote from: saffron sam2 on June 09, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
Contemptible, anonymous lunatics according to this, from the Antrim website.
QuoteReply :You might well get away with posting this type of crap on another webiste that allows this sort of nonsense, but it wont happen here. This sort of vile and filthy abuse is not tolerated on this site or any other forum that exerts even a modicum of control over what is posted. Contemptible, anonymous lunatics like you are the cause of serious personal abuse and unacceptable pressures on players, coaches and managers. Their family lives have been affected by some of the comments posted on "GAABoard" and the County Chairman called for this website to be shut down in his speech to convention last year. We are certain that if you were prepared to identify yourself, he would gladly let you know exactly the harm that has been done to individuals and families as result of comments posted on this wewbsite. Undoubtedly a coward like you won't do that!
Although it was subsequently removed.
I think that rant was after a particular topic on an individual in Antrim GAA circles which IMO did overstep the mark and was removed on here also.
Quote from: johnneycool on June 09, 2011, 10:51:44 AM
Quote from: saffron sam2 on June 09, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
Contemptible, anonymous lunatics according to this, from the Antrim website.
QuoteReply :You might well get away with posting this type of crap on another webiste that allows this sort of nonsense, but it wont happen here. This sort of vile and filthy abuse is not tolerated on this site or any other forum that exerts even a modicum of control over what is posted. Contemptible, anonymous lunatics like you are the cause of serious personal abuse and unacceptable pressures on players, coaches and managers. Their family lives have been affected by some of the comments posted on "GAABoard" and the County Chairman called for this website to be shut down in his speech to convention last year. We are certain that if you were prepared to identify yourself, he would gladly let you know exactly the harm that has been done to individuals and families as result of comments posted on this wewbsite. Undoubtedly a coward like you won't do that!
Although it was subsequently removed.
I think that rant was after a particular topic on an individual in Antrim GAA circles which IMO did overstep the mark and was removed on here also.
what was the rant about, did it merit that reply?
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2011, 11:10:42 PM
I think we're nearing the bash-the-forums annual.
A couple of years ago we had the Antrim chairman called us something like faceless contemptible idiots. Mickey Harte labelled users as empty vessels. Now Clarke. I imagine we're gonna see a rash of articles on the anonymous keyboard warriors.
Jaysus wouldn't it be great to see a few names from here on a newspaper! :)
Quote from: tonto1888 on June 09, 2011, 02:58:07 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on June 09, 2011, 10:51:44 AM
Quote from: saffron sam2 on June 09, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
Contemptible, anonymous lunatics according to this, from the Antrim website.
QuoteReply :You might well get away with posting this type of crap on another webiste that allows this sort of nonsense, but it wont happen here. This sort of vile and filthy abuse is not tolerated on this site or any other forum that exerts even a modicum of control over what is posted. Contemptible, anonymous lunatics like you are the cause of serious personal abuse and unacceptable pressures on players, coaches and managers. Their family lives have been affected by some of the comments posted on "GAABoard" and the County Chairman called for this website to be shut down in his speech to convention last year. We are certain that if you were prepared to identify yourself, he would gladly let you know exactly the harm that has been done to individuals and families as result of comments posted on this wewbsite. Undoubtedly a coward like you won't do that!
Although it was subsequently removed.
I think that rant was after a particular topic on an individual in Antrim GAA circles which IMO did overstep the mark and was removed on here also.
what was the rant about, did it merit that reply?
One poster makes a few personal digs at times on the antrim thread and then we get idiots coming on from time to time. The moderator on the antrim web-site lets worse stuff through on that site at times (not as bad as it used to be) and is always on his high horse though so what he writes is usually nonsense. Kevin McGourty also gets a lot of personal abuse from time to time which is probably another factor in it...
Has this thread got the right title?? :-\
Article in todays Sindo about "keyboard bullies" in the GAA.
Careful now. Down with this sort of thing.
Keyboard bullies put boot into young players' prospects
Many young GAA players are walking away from football and hurling due to anonymous criticism coming from online forums, writes Marie Crowe
Before this year's Division 2 final, former All-Ireland winning manager Ger Loughnane was brought in to talk to the Clare hurlers. There was an issue that needed tackling.
A friend had shown him the content of an online forum and Loughnane was shocked at the extent of abuse directed at the inter-county players. A lot of younger players were being targeted and as a result their confidence levels were low.
As internet usage is on the rise, the number of online outlets for 'keyboard warriors' is also on the up. And these critics are attacking GAA players in a vicious and personal manner, in some cases forcing players to retire, causing mental health issues and affecting how the team they supposedly support performs.
Just last week two GAA players reacted to online rumours that circulated about them quitting their county teams. One took to the airwaves to set the record straight and the other tweeted in response.
"Apparently I've left panel . . . why do people make up these ridiculous stories #economicdownturn #nothingelsetodo," tweeted the aggrieved player.
A few days after those incidents, Down's John Clarke retired from inter-county football. He spoke of how he grew disillusioned with the barrage of constant criticism from so-called supporters. Last month his side suffered a five-point defeat to Armagh in the Ulster championship and Clarke was subjected to online abuse.
"You get a lot of criticism. You don't mind people criticising you to your face, but you have critics who sit behind computer screens and are on discussion boards, which is cowardly," said Clarke. "Players and managers alike take a lot of abuse on those things. That's not the reason why I'm retiring -- but there is criticism and there's criticism."
Elsewhere recently, an online campaign was launched to try and rid a team of one of its new players who the keyboard warriors believed was not up to the job. From behind their screens they publicly insulted the player and questioned his ability. In a subsequent championship game, the targeted player was the best player on the field for his county yet still the abuse continued.
The examples are numerous. One senior player who is in his 13th inter-county season is gravely concerned about what he described as "cyber bullying."
"It's the young players that are really affected," he said. "They don't even get a chance to prove themselves at senior level before they are abused and written off. It's okay for someone like me, I've developed a thick skin from years of playing but when you are 18 or 19 and you are giving up your life to play for your county, it's very damaging. Every player likes to read about themselves, most players like to hear it straight on some level but I don't think it's good for you to be hearing it that straight. We had a major issue with it in our county. We have a young team who in fairness spend all their time online but it was something we had to tackle."
A talented young player who is being touted as one of his county's stars for the future has already decided to call it a day and the abuse he gets online is in many ways to blame. He is playing in the current championship but as soon as that's over he's calling it quits. He simply, in his own words, "can't handle it". The team psychologist has tried to talk to him about it but it hasn't helped. He does discuss how he feels with his friends but it doesn't resolve anything and the abuse is having a direct result on his confidence both on and off the field.
Although he admits that he should probably just not read the forums, he says that he just can't help it. When you are in front of a computer screen for hours a day or walking around with an iPhone -- like most teenagers -- it's impossible not to stumble across references to yourself. It is a known phenomenon that people cannot resist googling their own name.
"I know that if I saw them in person I'd have no time for them whatsoever but the fact that you can't actually see them and you don't know who is saying it there is always a doubt that maybe he does know what he is talking about and what he is saying is right," the young player admitted.
"I know that there is probably only a community of about 20 people who actually contribute and maybe 10 or 15 of them might criticise me but that gives me the picture that everyone in the county feels that way about me and it affects my confidence."
In 2006, then Kerry captain Declan O'Sullivan suffered similar abuse but in a very public manner. He was substituted in the Munster final replay loss to Cork and was booed off by some of his own fans. He lost his place for the next game and it was widely reported that his confidence was shattered.
Before that incident there had been a lot made of Jack O'Connor's choice of captain and there was plenty of online discussion on whether O'Sullivan was fit for the job and if he was picked for the right reasons. However, he won his place back and led his team to the All-Ireland title.
But it wasn't a smooth ride to the finish. On the morning of that final against Mayo, O'Connor called O'Sullivan to his room at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel. He assured him that club and personal loyalty had nothing to do with him being named on the starting 15 and that it was form alone that earned him his spot. O'Sullivan went out and scored his side's opening goal.
The abuse of inter-county players is widespread. "You only have to ask parents who have kids playing what they have to listen to in the stands but these online forums and social media outlets have taken it to a whole new level," a doctor who has experience of being involved at inter-county level revealed.
"I know some of our players who every Sunday morning before matches or Monday morning after the match are looking at the papers to see what is written about them. It does upset and affect them. And then when you add what's been written on these sites it's just a dangerous level of criticism to be exposed to. It's hard for anyone to take; if these boys were getting paid then you would say something but they are amateurs who are entertaining people."
However, not all inter-county players feel the same. One prominent star feels that he is immune to the abuse. He hasn't read a forum in nearly five years but when it comes to Twitter and Facebook he takes it on the chin.
"If you are on a website or a social media site you are open to getting abused and that's a choice you make. I'm not affected by it at all even though I get hit with lots of negative comments. I think that when you are younger it can have a different effect but now I try to look on it as a bit of crack."
I strongly suspect Marie Crowe is Martin Breheny in drag.
Quote from: Hardy on June 12, 2011, 02:27:35 PM
I strongly suspect Marie Crowe is Martin Breheny in drag.
:D It's quite possible.
That's some article, who are all these players she's talking about because she hasn't named anyone??
I wonder who give her those quotes too because she hasn't attributed them to anyone.
Where is all this criticism leading to mental health issues taking place?
Am I missing something?