Legendary Mayo GAA figure dies in California
THE death has taken place in California of Dr. Pádraig Carney, a member of the Mayo All-Ireland winning teams of 1950 and 1951.
Aged 91, he passed away after a short illness.
Dr. Carney was known as ‘The Flying Doc’ ever since he was flown home from New York, where he was studying medicine, for the 1954 National League semi-final and final.
A native of Swinford, Dr Carney was one of finest centre-forwards ever grace the sport, registering 8-99 in over 30 appearances for Mayo before his football career ended at 25 due to his studies.
As well as his two All-Ireland senior titles, he won a National League title, Railway Cup, Sigerson Cup and four Connaught titles with Mayo.
He won two Mayo senior football championship medals with Castlebar Mitchels and had the distinction of being the first player to score a goal from a penalty in an All-Ireland SFC final.
Predeceased by his wife Myra, he is survived by his sons Brian, Terence and Cormac, daughter Sheila and extended family, to whom sympathy is tendered.
In a statement, the Mayo County Board said: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Pádraig Carney 'The Flying Doctor'. He gave tremendous service to the Mayo jersey for a number of years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
A statement by Swinford GAA Club said: “When the words GAA legends are used there is always one Swinford man that is mentioned, Padraig Carney.
“It is with sorrow that I heard this evening that Padraig has died over the weekend in California. His name will always be remembered when Mayo GAA is spoken of.
"May Padraig rest in peace.”