Carty, Kevin
December 08, 2009
The Late Kevin Carty
Kevin Carty from Knock, who died recently at the age of 88, spent around half his life in Chicago. He died peacefully in his home village following a short illness. One of a family of three born to John and Ann Carty, he was predeceased by his sister Delia Jordan and brother Jim.
A noted athlete and sportsman in is young years, he once won three cycling races on the one day in Kiltimagh. It was a notable achievement at the time. He was also an accomplished footballer and played several GAA games with Knock and Aghamore.
He worked for a time with an insurance company in the region before emigrating to America in 1943. He decided to settle in Chicago which was to be his home of the next 43 years. During that time, he made many journeys across the Atlantic and always maintained strong connections with his home village and county.
Kevin became closely associated with the GAA in Chicago and, for a term, served as chairman of the St Brendan's Club. It was an involvement that brought him much joy and contentment, meeting people from all parts of Ireland and sharing in their love of the home games and culture.
He returned to Mayo in 1986 and resided with his nephew John Carty (Senator) and wife Kathleen and family for the past 23 years.
He quickly settled back into life in Knock and became synonymous with the 25 card game and bingo scenes. He loved the game of cards and meeting friends and neighbours and also enjoyed the social side of bingo, always looking forward to his weekly trips to the regular sessions in Knock, Brickens, Hollymount and Balla, where he made numerous friends over the years.
A man of independent thought, he was well read and had strong opinions on a whole variety of topics.
Kevin was a man of strong faith and was a regular attended at Masses in Knock Church. He was renowned time-keeper and never liked to be late for ceremonies or meetings.
He was also a member of the local Conference of St Vincent de Paul and loved to lend help and assistance to all he could along life's journey. Numerous were the kind deeds he rendered away from the limelight.
His compassionate nature was much to the fore throughout his long life. Removal took place from the home of Kathleen and John Carty to Knock Church with burial in the local
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