GAA club pay tribute to former president following his passing
May he rest in peace.
The death of John (Gerard) Carney took place on 28th October 2026, Killard, Turlough, Castlebar, peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff in Cuan Chaitriona Nursing Home, Castlebar.
Predeceased by his parents, Tom and Mary Ellen Carney, Turlough, Castlebar.
Sadly missed by his family, friends and neighbours and by the Turlough and Parke communities, which Gerry served with loyalty and dedication throughout his active life.
In a statement on social media, Parke GAA paid tribute to Gerry, who gave years of his life to the club.
"Gerry was a dedicated GAA man. Born on the 14th of January 1939, he was elected Chairman of Parke GAA club in 1970, the year the club was founded. He was in charge of the Junior team as well as helping out with the underage panels. He was very committed to every role he played. That historic year of 1970, he was delighted when the junior team won the West Mayo Junior B beating Kilmeena away in the semi-final. Followed by a decisive victory over Breaffy in the final, which was played at St. Patrick’s Park, Westport as a curtain raiser to the A Final between Westport and Achill which was won by the home side.
"The first underage success of the club was winning the 1973 U14B championship v Burrishoole. Gerry played his part and his quiet manner impacted those he came in contact with, be it on the playing field, on the sidelines or at the various venues, particularly within the boundaries of the West Mayo division. Gerry was treasurer of the club in 1975 and 76 and he was also a selector on our junior team that claimed our first West Mayo junior title and county junior A title in October 1976, defeating Lahardane in the final in Mc Hale Park, Castlebar.
"He played his part in the various fundraising ventures that the club undertook, including the local football ground development. He was a proud man when our new pitch was officially opened in June 1985 with a challenge game between Mayo and Cork.
"In 1995, the year that the black and amber celebrated our 25th anniversary, Gerry was once again a history maker by becoming the first inductee to be honoured with the hall of fame award at the annual presentation night in the Welcome Inn Hotel, guest of honour at this well attended function was Jack Boothman, a Wicklow man, the then president of the GAA who did the honours of presenting Gerry with his award to the delight and round applause of the 300 plus attendees, many of those in attendance were the now grown players who Gerry had ferried all over the county in his years involved with all our underage teams.
"With no money at the time to pay for buses Gerrys red Toyota corolla estate often carried 10 or 15 strapping U14s and U16s to various west mayo venues for away games.
"The club represented Connacht in the All Ireland Quarter Final in Manchester v St. Peter’s, after winning the county and connacht junior titles in 2010. Gerry was in attendance to lend his loyal support. That same year him and his founder member officers Sean Rowley, secretary and Michael O’Connor treasurer were recipients of a special presentation to mark the club's 40th anniversary.
"Gerry was a loyal community person with Turlough Community Development Association, spanning decades and also a true supporter of the Fine Gael party. Come election time he wasn't found wanting when it came to canvassing. He did enjoy it all and he was a very much to detail person in this regard.
"His sad passing truly marks the end of an era in which he was a central figure for a long number of years."
He will repose in Parke Community Centre, F23 DD74 on Thursday (5th November) from 6pm with removal at 7pm to Church of the Holy Family, Parke.
Requiem Mass will take place on Friday morning at 11 a.m.
