Tributes to well-known Strabane musician and family man

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid following the passing of popular local musician and one of the founding members of the Strabane Unplugged, Joe Clarke (pictured).

Mr Clarke died on Sunday following a month-long battle with stomach cancer.

Yesterday (Wednesday) at his Requiem Mass, the former Ballymagorry man was remembered as someone who provided a platform “for the next generation of musicians to flourish.”

Speaking at a packed church at St Mary’s of Melmount, Fr Michael Doherty paid tribute to Mr Clarke’s life and achievements.

The parish priest said, “Everyone in the parish wishes our condolences to Joe’s family at this time. Joe was a lifelong musician who played in numerous bands throughout the years including with Rock Stewart and Hugo Duncan. He also created a platform for young musicians to play through Strabane Unplugged.”

Fr Doherty continued, “He was able to ensure a place for the next generation of musicians to flourish while raising money for charity.

“He will be remembered as a good and well-liked man.”

Joe Clarke was a member in many bands throughout the years whilst remaining a well-known face in the local music scene. He travelled up and down the country playing harmonica and banjo in various groups during his career. In recent times he played with the band ‘The Brambles’ with his son Josh. He also worked as a taxi man and delivery diver.

He was also instrumental in the founding of Strabane Unplugged which was first set up in the All Stars Bar on Main Street and which recently had a number of reunion shows in the Alley Theatre.

Co-founder of Strabane Unplugged Mickey Ferry said Mr Clarke would be sadly missed by his friends, family and the musical community of Strabane.

He said, “Joe will be very sadly missed by the whole music community in Strabane. Joe did sound at every one of the Strabane Unplugged gigs from the very start and would often play banjo in some of the bands. He was also a fantastic player and everyone loved it when he would break out his harmonica.

“Joe was a great person, with fantastic funny stories about a lifetime on the road playing gigs. He had an infectious laugh and was a great person to be around.”

He added, “He was instrumental to the Alley Theatre Unplugged shows and we will all miss him.”

Joe’s son Josh also paid tribute to his late father on social media stating, “My father Joe Clarke passed away at home after a month-long battle with stomach cancer. He was the greatest musician, teacher, father, and friend I’ll ever know.

“We will all miss him so much.”

Joe Clarke is survived by his wife Helena and children Josh, Tom and Jessica, grand-daughter Sabrina, his wider family circle and many friends.