It is with deep regret that we record the passing of Mr Finbar McCormack, the former principal of Carnacaville Primary School, which occurred on 8 July in Belfast City Hospital. He was 61.

Mr McCormack resided at Meadowvale, Tollymore Road, Newcastle, with his wife Elsie. He is also survived by two sisters, Maryrose, Newcastle and Patricia, London.
Mr McCormack taught for 15 years in St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Belfast, and was principal of St Mary's Primary School, Aughlisnafin, for eight years and St Joseph's Primary School, Carnacaville, for 13 years.

He was an accomplished footballer and member of the Castlewellan GAC 1979-82 Senior Championship winning team. In the early Eighties he managed the Seconds who won the first ever All County Premiere Reserve League. Back then he was the player-manager, a fierce competitor and the ever present full back.
He was a leader who led by example. In the early Nineties, The Town dominated the Sevens competitions under the joint management team of Colm McAlarney and Finbar.
Finbar was a great quiz buff and took part in many quizzes throughout his life. He took a keen interest in all sports and his breadth of knowledge was apparent during a recent trip to New York when he was able to talk to a waiter from India in depth about the individual players in the Indian cricket team by name and level of ability. He was quiet and unassuming and in the words of many friends, one of life's true gentlemen. The funeral took place to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Newcastle with burial at St Patrick's Cemetery, Bryansford. Fr Jim Crudden officiated.

Courtesy of The Mourne Observer Tweet

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