The news of the sudden death in Dublin on February 5th of John Carrig was received with great sadness and shock in Tarbert and surrounding areas.

John was the much loved son of Finbarr and Noreen Carrig, Tarbert, born on September 17th, 1973. The youngest of a family of eight children, John was predeceased by his brother Patrick in 1966. Patrick was the eldest in the family and was aged five. John attended Tarbert national school and Tarbert Comprehensive school and continued his studies at the Institute of Technology in Tralee.

In his early twenties John moved to live and work in Dublin where he resided until his untimely passing.
John had an outgoing and easy manner, a kind and gentle personality, and was well known for his ready wit. He enjoyed returning to Kerry regularly where he spent time with family and friends. John's quiet nature endeared him to those who spent time in his company. Indeed, his circle of friends from his school days and football years continues to be a close group of young people who have become lifelong friends. John was also held in high esteem by his work colleagues at G4S in Dublin.

Like all of the Carrig family, John had a keen interest in Gaelic football and remained a staunch supporter of the 'red and black' of his native Tarbert and of the Kerry teams. At underage he was a prominent member of Tarbert juvenile teams winning Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 North Kerry and County titles.

In Dublin, his love for the GAA continued and he joined the Rosmini Gaels junior club in Drumcondra. He became an active member of this club, organising players for games and fundraising. In 2004, John was elected manager of the team and his ambition was to win a county title. This was achieved in 2010 when Rosmini Gaels won the Dublin Junior Championship. By coincidence, the Rosmini colours were also 'red and black' and it was with great pride that John watched his Dublin club mates receive their silverware.
John would have been proud to see the huge number of GAA people who attended his removal and funeral Mass, including the chairmen of the North Kerry Board, the Kerry County Board and the Munster Council.

John's friends from Tarbert and Dublin formed a guard of honour when his remains arrived home to Tarbert on Wednesday evening, February 8th, where they were taken to the family residence in St. Patrick's Terrace. Past and present members of Tarbert and Rosmini Gaels GAA clubs formed a guard of honour at the removal from St Mary's Funeral Home on Thursday evening to St Mary's Church and again at the burial on Friday. Chief celebrant at the Mass was Very Rev. Fr. Danny Broderick PP, assisted by Fr. John O'Connor who gave the homily, Fr. Gerard Finucane, Fr Francis Nolan and Fr John Lawlor.

The huge crowd of relatives, friends and work colleagues who travelled from many parts to his removal. Mass and burial bore testament to the high regard in which John and the Carrig family are held by all. The outpouring of support from the local community since John's sudden death has been a great comfort to his parents and family and their kindness and generosity will be forever remembered.

Following John's burial, the huge crowd in attendance moved to the adjoining Community Centre where refreshments were served by a group of local ladies who worked tirelessly to cater for the large number of mourners, showing the great community spirit of Tarbert.
John will be greatly missed by his many friends in Tarbert and Dublin. He is survived by his parents Finbarr and Noreen, his brothers Michael, Finbarr, Stephen and Brian, his sister Mary and Catherine, brothers-in-law Mike and Joe, sisters-in-law Mary, Breda and Susan, grandaunt Bernadette, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces and many relatives in Ireland, England and USA.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.

- Courtesy of Kerry's Eye, 8th March 2012 Tweet

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