Doonbeg Football Club and community are in mourning at the passing of local legend Pat Blake. The term legend is often thrown around lightly but Pat was the quintessential textbook definition. 
The textbook definition of a legend is as follows:
"an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field"
Pat's field was Shanahan McNamara, where he rose through the ranks to reach the top of his game representing club and county.
Anyone who knew the man would describe him as a gentleman, a family man, someone who was admired and respected throughout the county, but that respect and admiration came from a fierce competitive streak which he brought to the playing fields both as a player and manager.

Learning his trade under the watchful eye of Bert McMahon, he played in an era when football was played with no inch given, Pat excelled at midfield for Doonbeg. The top reward surely been involved with the winning Clare 92' team.

After hanging up his boots, Pat became actively involved in coaching firstly underage then on to senior management. It can be said that a lot of the current senior team served under him and it was his respected knowledge and enthusiasm for the game that inspired the future generations of young magpies.
But every legend must have a legacy and for Pat that is his family. They have continued in his vane of  excelling on and off the playing field be it football or athletics, something I know he was always very modest about but extremely proud of.

We as a club offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time. We will endeavour to continue the great work Pat was involved in within the club. He will be fondly remembered by everyone in Clare G.A.A.

 Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam