The Late George Carins The recent death of Mr George Carins of Ballylough Road, Annsborugh, followed a lengthy period of ill-health. He was 69. George worked in the building industry and subsequently with NI Electricity before retiring early on health grounds. He was well known in GAA circles on County Down and beyond. He was a referee for many years, which gave him great enjoyment. He followed the Down teams across Ireland, attending all their Sam Maguire triumphs of the 60s and 90s. He was a life-time member of Annsborough GAC, chairman and committee member for many years. George had a great love of folk, country and Irish music, enjoying a regular Saturday nights entertainment at Annsborough Club. He was well known to all who played and attended there. He was also a member of Castlewellan SDLP, involved in local politics and issues for the people of Annsborough. Though he had endured over the past 15 years he bore them with a great attitude, not allowing them to prevent him from enjoying his interests. He was always grateful to all the staff who cared for him, especially those from the Renal at Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry. George is survived by Marie, his wife of 32 years, children Natasha, Brendan and Lucille and his beloved grandchildren Darryl and Calum. His funeral Mass at Aughlisnafin Church was celebrated by Fr. Sean Cahill, whose comments accurately reflected George's love for his family, locality, county and country. He will be sadly missed by his family and the local community. George - A Tribute When a man is spoken of, and known by just his Christian name, he's a character such a man was Geordie (Cairns) who left this life. From when he was 13 years of age, carrying bags of sawdust from the Meadow Row to mark the pitch in Johnny Kennedy's field two miles up in Canvaraghan for home games and carrying the bag full of sweat-laden jerseys down to Annsborough again, and until long after he refereed his last game, he was, both inside and outside the Annsborough Club in particular and the Down GAA in general, the character of characters. Go ndeana Dia trocaire or a anam. Courtesy of the Mourne Observer 6th January 2005 Tweet

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