RIP: Mayo GAA club pays tribute to double county-title winning manager

A cloud of sadness has descended over the barony of Erris in recent days following the passing of one of the flag-bearers of GAA in North Mayo, Liam Carey.

Liam, or 'Lily', as he was fondly known, is recognised as one of the most pivotal figures in the history of Kiltane GAA Club since its inception in 1962.

Over the course of the coming decades and well into the new millennium, Carey represented the club with distinction and pride across a myriad of roles.

Whether it be serving on the North Mayo Board and later, with great distinction at county board level, the name and face of this founding father became synonymous with the club he loved so dearly.

He was a renowned corner-forward with Kiltane, initially winning the North Mayo Junior title in 1965 under the banner St Pat's Bangor. However, his crowning moment with Kiltane is without doubt his heroics on the sideline as the club soared through the ranks.

First came a county junior crown in 1972, a significant moment in time for the proud people of Kiltane. However, Carey's men weren't done there, and by the end of 1973, they remarkably had intermediate medals sitting on the mantelpiece alongside the junior ones, meaning they would play senior football in 1974.

The fairytale continued that year, making it all the way to the last-four where they were defeated after a replay.

In recent seasons, Carey always maintained an unstoppable interest in the club and those who don the famed blue and gold jersey.

Kiltane, and the wider Erris region, will be all the poorer for his loss.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.