A brother of a former Limerick hurler who was killed in an overseas road crash, has appealed for people to support an online fundraiser, set up to assist his sibling’s widow and young family.
Paul Carey, (41), from Patrickswell died from injuries sustained in the collision, in Dubai, on November 6th last.
His pregnant wife Anna, their son Fionn (5), along with extended family, have been left devastated by the tragedy.
The Paul Carey Memorial Fund was set up yesterday Wednesday, via GoFundMe.com with a target of reaching at least €40,000.
Appealing for people to support his late brother’s memorial fund, Sean Carey said: “Paul was swiped in a flash over in Dubai, thousands of miles away, in another country. Anna was suddenly left with her young son and a baby due in February.”
“Anna is due in February, and god willing there will be a but of joy in the new year. We would really appreciate any kind of support at all.”
Sean Carey said Paul’s sudden death was like “an asteroid” hitting the family.
Family friend, Cynthia O’Connell, who organised the memorial fund, said proceeds would go towards supporting Paul’s family in meeting “funeral expenses, legal costs” and their “relocation” to Patrickswell from Dubai.
“They had been relocating here so Anna still has those expenses; she has her five year old son; and she’s expecting her baby in the new year. So, she’s trying to cope with her grief and be a full time mother and do so much, so this is to help her with ongoing costs and her expenses for the immediate future, and to try and get her on a stable footing.”
“They’re devastated and in shock obviously, it’s been surreal, really,” she added.
Mr Carey had been teaching English and Religion in Dubai, and was making last minute arrangements to join his wife and son who had travelled ahead of him to Patrickswell where they had planned to permanently relocate from the United Arab Emirates.
“He was full of life, handsome, engaging, witty, charming, funny and a tough but fair sportsman,” said Ms O’Connell.
She explained that “the grief and loss” felt by Mr Carey’s family was “incomprehensible”, and that, “wilst we may not be able to take away the pain for Anna and Fionn at this time, we would like to take away some of their financial burden”.
“In memory of Paul we wish to raise funds to ensure support for Anna, Fionn and the couples unborn baby with ongoing expenses”.
A minute’s silence was observed before the throw-in at this year’s Munster Hurling Final, honouring Mr Carey, who had hurled for Limerick and Patrickswell, and who captained the club to its 18th senior hurling championship title in 2003.
The Carey family, including Mr Carey’s brothers and legendary retired Limerick hurler Ciaran, along with Sean, Pa, Nigel, Kevin, and their nephew and present day All Star Limerick hurler Cian Lynch, are steeped in Limerick GAA.
Speaking at her husband’s funeral, held in Patrickswell, Anna Carey said: “I only had ten years with Paul but as broken hearted as I am today, in the darkest and saddest moments, I have realised how lucky I have been.”
“We had ten amazing years of the deepest love and partnership that I could have ever imagined. Paul made me feel supported, understood, respected and completely and utterly loved and I will carry that with me always,” Ms Carey added.
Mr Carey’s months mind mass takes place tomorrow, Thursday, at the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Patrickswell, with numbers restricted due to present COVID-19 guidelines on religious services.
To donate to the Paul Carey Memorial Fund visit: https://ie.gofundme.com/f/paul-carey-memorial-fund.
