CHAIRMAN of Patrickswell GAA club, John McDermott, who played alongside the three Carey siblings in the 2003 County Final, told this reporter, the entire club’s “thoughts and prayers” were with the Carey family adding, “we’ll do everything we can to support them as they go through this tough period”.
The Carey family, he said, are an integral part of the club, with different generations having inspired many victories on the field.
“Ciaran is currently the Patrickswell senior manager, and the whole family are steeped In Patrickswell GAA, so it is devastating to even comprehend it, and it’s devastating for them,” Mr McDermott said.
“Paul was only home recently and was playing with Patrickswell juniors, he wasn’t long gone back to Dubai. His wife and child are here in Patrickswell, they had been settling in, and trying to get used to it.”
Paying tribute to his former comrade, he recalled an anecdote that is forever etched in Patrickswell GAA annals: “One of the things Paul did, which can’t be done nowadays, because you wouldn’t be allowed, is that, when he was 16 years of age he played at u-16, minor, and u-21 in the one year, he played on all the three teams at sixteen years of age, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone else that has done that, and that’s the type of person he was.”
“You couldn’t meet a tougher hurler. It just shows how strong he was, at 16 years of age he was able to play against ‘21 hurlers, no problem at all…He always gave it his all.”
A statement released by Patrickswell GAA said it was “saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of Paul Carey in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and we offer our sincere condolences to his wife Anna, his son Fionn and the extended Carey family at this difficult time.”
“Paul was a valued club member and committed player over many years. Paul captained Patrickswell to the County Championship title in 2003. His loss will be deeply felt in Patrickswell and beyond.”
“We ask that Paul is remembered in your prayers and that that his family are supported in their hour of need. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
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