J.P. Clarke

Athlete John Patrick “JP” Clarke was the Irish half- and one-mile champion in 1923. He retained the mile title in 1924 and was selected for the 1500 metres (and 10,000 metres) at the Paris Olympics. The National Athletic and Cycling Association (NACA) deemed him not to be fit for the Games, however, and he did not take part.

A member of the County Antrim Harriers, Clarke first represented Ireland in the triangular match against England and Scotland at Stoke-on-Trent in 1923. and shortly after the Olympics was selected for the inaugural Tailteann Games in Dublin. Following the actions of the NACA to deem him not to be worthy of a place in the Olympics, however, he declined to take part in the Dublin Games.

Clarke served in the Royal Corps of Signals in the British Army in World War I. During World War II he served with the Territorial Army but spent a lot time facing disciplinary action at court martials for offences including being absent without leave, and drunk and disorderly. Those offences, and others, resulted in such penalties as a reduction in rank from sergeant, as well as several reductions in pay.