Famed Galway club Tuam Stars had led the tributes to their PRO Andrew Carney whose sudden death over the weekend has stunned the local community.

The 49-year-old was a member of the teaching staff at the renowned football nursery St Jarlath’s College and was son of Jim Carney, the first presenter of The Sunday Game highlights programme on RTÉ. St Jarlath’s College closed as a mark of respect on Monday.

“He was a friend, a mentor and a constant source of encouragement to so many of our players, coaches and members. Over the past number of years, Andrew gave an enormous amount of his time, energy and passion to our club, and we are immensely grateful for everything he did for Tuam Stars,” the deceased’s beloved GAA club said in a social media post.

“Andrew’s first love was always St Jarlath’s College, Tuam, an institution that was such an important part of his life. As a teacher, mentor and colleague, Andrew influenced the lives of countless young people. We extend our deepest sympathies to all of Andrew’s fellow teachers, staff, students and the wider St Jarlath’s College community, where his passing will leave a void that can never truly be filled.

“Andrew’s contribution extended far beyond Tuam Stars and St Jarlath’s. He was deeply involved in so many aspects of community life in Tuam, and his passing will be felt throughout the entire town and far beyond it. He was someone who gave freely of his time and who genuinely cared about the people and the community around him.

“Above all else, our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew’s family at this heartbreaking time: his father Jim Carney, his mother Claire Carney, his sister Jennifer Carney, his nephew Jamie Loftus, the Hynes family as well his entire extended family circle.

“Tuam Stars has lost a wonderful clubman, but much more importantly, the community of Tuam and Milltown has lost a wonderful person.”

Tweet

Most Read Stories