It was with great sadness when the news of the passing of Cornelius (Corny) Carr started filtering through on Saturday night. 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.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
