The late Jarlath Carey

October 05, 2006
Down GAA is mourning the death of Jarlath Carey, who was midfielder on the famous Mourne County side that won back-to-back All-Ireland football titles in 1960 and '61. Aged 74, Jarlath died at his home in Dundrum on Wednesday, October 5 after a long battle with cancer. A teacher by profession, he was also involved in politics and represented the SDLP on Down District Council in the 1970s. A native of Antrim, Carey is best remembered for marking Kerry legend Mick O'Connell in the 1960 All-Ireland final. As well as winning two All-Ireland medals, he also won five Ulster championships. The Down team of 1960 was the first to bring the Sam Maguire north of the border, and the Dundrum clubman is the third member of that side to pass away, following the deaths of Pat Rice and Breen Morgan. Joe Lennon, who partnered Carey at midfield in those successes, said: "Jarlath was a gentleman. Not only was he a very good player on the field, but he was a highly respected person off the field as well. "He was a highly esteemed member of the Down teams of that time and he made a very valuable contribution to the Down successes. Jarlath was a very versatile player and while he was usually named on programmes at midfield, he was able to play anywhere."

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