Tributes have been pouring in for Four Masters legend and ‘gentleman’ Corny Carr, who died on Saturday night.
Corny struggled with illness over recent years and lost his battle on Saturday, but will be remembered throughout the county as a ‘gentle giant’.
A minutes silence ways held before Donegal’s Division 1 game in Mac Cumhaill Park against Kerry, and the performance on the field from the Donegal side was a fitting tribute to a fierce competitor.
Corny was a key figure in the Four Masters club, and the club paid tribute to the Inver man today.
“It was with great sadness when the news of the passing of Cornelius (Corny) Carr started filtering through on Saturday night,” a statement read.
“Corny fought a brave and dignified battle with illness over the past number of years in the care of his loving wife Eileen and adoring children, Nora and Cormac.
“While he may have been a native of Inver, Corny was a true Four Masters legend having joined the Club in 1980 from St Nauls.
“Such was the respect he was held in across the county, Corny was remembered yesterday in MacCumhaill Park with a minute’s silence before the throw-in of the Donegal v Kerry match.
“A substitute in the 1982 Senior Championship winning squad, Corny was a cornerstone of the 1984 success, cutting out an imposing figure at centre-half back.
“This led to Corny’s talents being recognised at county-level as well with him debuting for Donegal in the National Football League under Brian McEniff in 1985 and then in the Ulster Championship in 1987 when Tom Conaghan was the team manager.
“He continued to play for the Club for many years at both Senior and Reserve level before taking up numerous coaching and management roles within the Club. He was indeed a key figure in Michael Kelly’s backroom team that brought the Dr. Maguire Cup back to the town again in 2002. He was also involved in the Donegal Ladies backroom team for a term with his good friend Emlyn Hughes.
“However, Corny will be remembered more as the gentleman he was off the pitch than the fierce competitor and tremendous player that he was on the pitch. He really was a gentle giant striking up great friendships wherever he went across Donegal and further afield.
“Predeceased by his parents Nora and Joe Carr, Corny will be sadly missed by his son Barry, brothers P.J. and Michael and his sister Carol. He will also be forever remembered by his extended family, his neighbours and his many friends.
“But his loss will be the greatest to Eileen, Nora and Cormac and we would like to extend our sincerest condolences to them in particular.
“May Corny rest in peace.”
Donegal Town RFC also paid tribute to their former player and coach.
Corny’s remains will repose at his late residence at Lurganboy, Donegal Town F94T2T0, from 5pm today until 9pm & from 11am until 10pm tomorrow, Monday. Remains will leave his home on Tuesday morning at 10:10am for 11am Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Donegal Town, with burial immediately afterwards in Clar Graveyard. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to charity of your choice in memory of Corny. House private on Tuesday morning please.
