I can find some records that might fit, but this person comes from Scotland, not Ireland. So I have no idea if I'm onto the right track or not.

So we have James Christopher Clarke, listed as seaman, deceased, on his sons marriage banns in 1897, in Liverpool.
In 1891, there is a James Clarke, Marine Engineer, living in Litherland, West Derby, a wife called Elizabeth and daughter and a bunch of children, some born in Liverpool, including a William who is 12 years old.
ED, Institution or Vessel 3
Neighbors View others on page
Piece 2984
Folio 70
In 1881 he seems to be at sea, there is a census record for Scotland to that effect.
County Ships In European Ports
Address Bh Queen 1540 Glasgow
Occupation 1st Engineer
ED BL Queen
Household schedule number 456a
Line 20
Roll cssct1881_338
In 1871 he seems to be at home. A steamship engineer.
Registration district West Derby
Sub-registration district Toxteth Park
ED, institution, or vessel 96
Household schedule number 171
Piece 3825
Folio 88
Page number 29
I haven't found him so far in 1861.
In 1851, he seems to be living with his mother in Scotland.
ED 20
Page 19
Household schedule number 79
Line 6
Roll CSSCT1851_57