How Edel Clarke Is Revolutionizing Padel—and What It Means for the Future of Sports Business

How Edel Clarke Is Revolutionizing Padel—and What It Means for the Future of Sports Business

Ever wondered what truly fills the cup of a high-powered CEO who’s also a family person and sports enthusiast? Edel Clarke, the dynamic force behind Druid Padel, serves up more than just leadership — she’s got a Saturday routine that perfectly blends down-to-earth family moments with spirited bouts on the padel court. From the luxury of a slow morning tea (delivered by her husband, no less!) to the hustle of a house buzzing with four kids, and capped off by gritty Americano Day matches — it’s a masterclass in balancing passion, purpose, and play. If you think success means endless grind with zero breathing room, Edel’s story might just make you rethink the recipe for fulfillment. Ready to see how family, fresh air, and a smidge of padel make for a winning weekend? LEARN MORE.

‘A perfect Saturday is family, friends, fresh air, and a bit of padel — everything that fills my cup!’ – Edel Clarke, CEO of Druid Padel

7:30am Saturday starts the way I love it: a gentle lie-in and a cup of tea delivered by my husband — a small ritual that always feels like a luxury. Once I pull on my walking gear, our dachshund Enzo springs to life. He knows the leggings mean one thing: Phoenix Park. I meet my sister Ruth and we head off for our morning walk, catching up as we go. The park is busy with walkers and run clubs. People are now taking their health more seriously and keeping fit. As I come from a sports background, it’s great to see.

9:00am Back home, I take my time over a long shower — a rare treat during the week. Then it’s downstairs to whoever’s surfaced. With four kids currently living at home, the house is always buzzing. We gather around the kitchen island for a long breakfast and an even longer chat. It’s one of my favourite moments of the week: everyone sharing their news, laughing, debating, just being together.

11:00am A couple of hours of chores follow, mostly washing and the usual bits that only seem to get done on a Saturday. I check emails, as it’s difficult to completely switch off over the weekends. Sky Sports is always on in our house and today they are showing tennis, so I am watching while working (more watching than working).

12:30pm I meet a friend for coffee and a planning session for our next trip away. There’s nothing like the excitement of organising a get away with pals. After the big family breakfast, I’m not in the mood for lunch, so coffee and conversation are perfect. I head to the tennis club to pick up my son, who was playing a match. I drop him home and call into our newest padel club that’s opened in Kimmage. There is an event on for the afternoon, so I want to see how it’s going and always like to show some support for my team. I grab a quick coffee on site and all is in hand, so leave them to it.

3:30pm Time to switch gears. I get changed and drive with my husband to our local club, Druid Padel at Coolmine RFC. It’s Americano Day, which is one of my favourite formats because you play with a mix of familiar faces and new ones. The standard is strong, the energy is great, and I’m delighted it’s been such good fun.

6:30pm Home again for a quick shower and a glass of wine while getting ready for dinner. It feels well earned after such a full, relaxing day.

Edel Clarke
Druid Padel is an Irish-owned, female-founded company.

7:30pm We head to a local restaurant to meet friends. The vibe is chilled, the food is good, and the conversation flows easily — the kind of evening that always runs later than planned.

11:30pm We finally make our way home, tired but completely relaxed. A perfect Saturday: family, friends, fresh air, and a bit of padel — everything that fills my cup!

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