Druid Padel CEO Edel Clarke spends her Saturdays balancing family duties, social plans, and the sport that drives her business. For the Irish-owned company’s leader, the weekend isn’t a break from work, but a chance to recharge the very energy she puts into her company.
Clarke starts her day at 7:30am with a lie-in and a cup of tea. Her husband delivers the drink, a small ritual that feels like a luxury. Once she puts on her walking gear, her dachshund Enzo knows exactly what’s happening. They head to Phoenix Park for a walk with her sister Ruth. The park is busy with runners and walkers, a sign Clarke sees as positive. She notes that people are taking their health more seriously, a trend she understands well given her sports background.
Back home, Clarke enjoys a long shower, a rare treat during the week. The house is always buzzing with her four children. The family gathers around the kitchen island for a long breakfast and conversation. Clarke calls this one of her favourite moments of the week, a time for everyone to share news, laugh, and debate. It is a busy morning of chores before the real weekend activities begin.
By 11:00am, Clarke tackles household chores and checks emails. She admits it is difficult to completely switch off on weekends. While she works, the television is on in the background. Sky Sports is showing tennis, so she watches the matches while she works. Later in the afternoon, she meets a friend for coffee to plan a trip away. She also visits the tennis club to pick up her son and stops by a new padel club in Kimmage to support her team.
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The afternoon shifts focus to her sport of choice. Clarke and her husband drive to Druid Padel at Coolmine RFC for an “Americano Day” event. This format mixes familiar faces with new players. Clarke enjoys the strong standard of play and the energy on the court. After the match, she returns home for a quick shower and a glass of wine before dinner. It is a full schedule, but one she finds completely relaxing.
It is a rare opportunity for the female founder of an Irish-owned business to disconnect. In the corporate world, weekends are often just another window for emails and meetings. Clarke’s schedule proves that while the work never truly stops, finding pockets of genuine leisure is possible if one plans ahead.
Evening Wind Down
Evening wind down comes as the house finally quiets down. Clarke reads a book or watches a film with her husband before bed. This ritual ensures she gets the rest needed for the week ahead.
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