Tributes pour in following death of beloved 'gentle giant' Corny Carr

Tributes have been pouring in for Corny Carr, a much loved Donegal Town man who died on Saturday night following a long illness borne with courage and dignity.

Though born in Inver, Corny's name is synonymous with the Four Masters GAA Club in Donegal Town. He played a vital role in the club's 1984 success, being a huge figure the centre-half back position.

He went on to play for the county, lining out in the green and gold for Donegal in the National Football League and the Ulster Championship. It was deeply fitting that a minute's silence was held for Corny ahead of the throw-in at the Donegal v Kerry match in MacCumhaill Park on Sunday.  

Corny's contribution to Four Masters continued for many years. He played at Senior and Reserve level before moving into coaching and management.

Without doubt a fierce warrior on the field, it is his wonderfully warm and friendly personality that people are recalling and reminiscing on as they mourn his passing.

Former clubmate and longtime friend Joyce McMullin said: "I've known Corny since our schooldays back in the early '80s. We played football together at school and at the club for years together.

"We were good friends and good drinking buddies!

"Corny was a very sociable person. He was huge in stature but he never used his weight as he might have; he was never aggressive or nasty. He was always so nice to people, a gentle soul. 

"Everywhere we went, Corny would be recognised. People loved him; they loved his good humour and his easy company.

"My commiserations to Eileen, Nora, Cormac and all the family."

While well known as a Four Masters legend, Corny's love of sport didn't end with Gaelic Football.

Donegal Town Rugby Club posted the following tribute: "With a heavy heart, the club would like to acknowledge the passing of former player and coach Corny Carr.

"Remembered in his playing days, as an imposing centre, striking fear into opposing teams with his towering physique.

"More recently Corny coached the men's senior team, where he is remembered extremely fondly by everyone who had the good fortune to have been coached by him.

"Corny wasn’t a coach who roared and blinded on the Holmes touchlines but instead quietly offered his players words of advice and encouragement.

"While yes, he was a great sportsman, Corny will be remembered as much for the person that he was and how he conducted himself.

"We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to his loving family, wife Eileen, daughter Nora and son Cormac and wider family.

"May he rest in peace."

Basketball stalwart Manus Brennan recalled Corny's days on the court, saying: "So sorry to hear of the death of Corny Carr.

"He was a gentle giant of a man and so much part of all our sporting memories, on the GAA field, the basketball court, or wherever and whatever games were played.

"Farewell Corny and thanks for all the great memories!"

Corny's remains are reposing at his late residence at Lurganboy, Donegal Town F94T2T0 on Monday from 11am until 10pm.

The funeral cortege will leave his home on Tuesday 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 a charity of your choice in memory of Corny.