Donegal Town's huge show of love for Corny Carr as he is laid to rest

The community of Donegal Town came out in force to bid farewell to much loved  and highly regarded Corny Carr, and to show love and support for his grieving family.

Along with the many mourners who attended the funeral on Tuesday morning, there were a number of Guards of Honour, reflecting the esteem in which Corny and his family are held across the community.

As the funeral cortege made its way from the family home in Lurganboy, the first Guard of Honour was at the Abbey Vocational School, where Corny’s wife Eileen is a teacher, his son Cormac a student, and his daughter Nora a past student. Staff were joined by Eileen’s music students who lined the road outside the school as Corny’s remains passed by.

On arrival at St Patrick’s Church for 11am Requiem Mass, Corny’s Eir (formerly Eircom and P&T) colleagues stood shoulder to shoulder as his remains were brought into the church.

Cormac’s classmates and members of the AVS soccer and gaelic teams stood outside the church, and many students also attended the service. 

Following Mass, Corny’s Four Masters clubmates gathered to line the churchyard as the cortege made its way from the church.

And at Clar Cemetery, members of Donegal Town Rugby Club accompanied Corny’s remains on the final leg of his journey.

Corny passed away on Saturday night after a long illness borne with characteristic courage and dignity. His death has touched many people, very much mirroring the way in which he touched people’s hearts throughout his life. 

Welcoming mourners to Requiem Mass, Fr Adrian Gavigan expressed the condolences of the parish and wider community to Corny’s wife Eileen, his daughter Nora, son Cormac and brother Michael. He had a special mention for members of the family who could not be present - Barry in Australia, PJ also in Australia, and Carol in England, as well as nieces and nephews and members of Corny’s extended family.

Fr Gavigan reminded mourners that although all born in London, Corny and his siblings were raised in Inver, having moved there in 1969. He attended the local national school before continuing his education at Donegal Vocational School (now the AVS).

In 1980, Corny began work with the P&T. As well securing employment, this was significant in that it allowed him to transfer from St Naul’s to Four Masters, a club to which he would contribute much throughout his life.

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

Corny was held in deep affection on and off the sports fields of Donegal

Corny met and married the love of his life Eileen, and the couple had two children, Nora and Cormac.

When illness struck, Corny bore it with all of the good grace and positivity for which he was known, living as full a life as he possibly could.

Sadly, his life came to an untimely end last Saturday night. 

But Corny Carr’s name will long be spoken in Donegal Town and beyond as people recall a committed sportsman, a warm and lovable character; a gentle giant who has left his mark for all the right reasons. 

On behalf of the Carr family, Fr Gavigan thanked everyone involved in Corny’s medical care. 

He also conveyed gratitude to everyone who had come to the wake and funeral, the family’s wonderful neighbours, the singers, musicians and everyone involved in the funeral or who offered support in any way.

“It speaks loud without words of your affection for Corny and the family,” he said.

Following Mass, Corny was laid to rest in Clar Cemetery.