A man of extraordinary love for life

FINBARR Carrig of 16 St. Patrick’s Terrace, Tarbert, passed away peacefully at his home after a long and brave battle with illness, on the morning of Sunday, October 23rd surrounded by, and in the loving care of his family. Finbarr had been ill for some time, an illness which he had accepted with the patience, dignity and humility that characterised him so well.

Finbarr was born on September 23rd, 1934 to parents Paddy and Peggy Carrig of Kilpadogue, Tarbert. He was the eldest of eleven children and brother to Mary, Stephen, Mossy, Marie, Kate, Bernie, Anne, James and Winnie and the late Paddy of Huddersfield.

Finbarr met his wife Noreen (nee Moriarty) Coolkeragh, Ballydonoghue and after moving to America in 1957 they were married in Syracuse, New York in 1959.

Returning to Ireland in 1961, they settled in St. Patrick’s Terrace, where they reared eight children; Patrick, Michael, Mary, Finbarr, Stephen, Catherine, Brian and John. Sadly, Finbarr was predeceased by his sons Patrick in 1966 and John in 2012. He had eleven grandchildren and enjoyed their company and that of his daughters-inlaw, Mary, Breda and Susan and sons-in-law Mike and Joe.

Finbarr learned his trade as a plasterer in the early 1950’s. He was a skilled tradesman, working all over Kerry. Following his return from America, he continued working as a plasterer before taking up the position of caretaker in 1973 at Tarbert’s new Comprehensive School. In 1977, Finbarr joined the staff at Tarbert’s ESB power station, firstly as part of the maintenance staff and later as a driver before retiring in 1997. He was a diligent and loyal employee.

Gaelic football was special to Finbarr both as a player and as an administrator. Finbarr played with North Kerry in the 1962 county championship final, played with Syracuse in the USA and Canada and wore the green and gold of Kerry. However, it was the red and black of Tarbert that Finbarr most enjoyed and he eventually won his first and only North Kerry championship medal with Tarbert against Ballylongford in 1969. Finbarr was chairman of both the senior and Bord na nOg Club but it was in his role as PRO and with his detailed match reports that he excelled. Prior to his passing away, Finbarr was the acting President of the Tarbert senior club.

Finbarr was the Tarbert Notes correspondent for the local newspapers, delivering his weekly reports for 40 years with the “Kerryman” and 23 years with “The Limerick Leader”. Tarbert exiles were very much in his debt. He had a great flair for catching the spirit, context and atmosphere of local happenings, whether joyful, sorrowful, commemorative, or humorous.

Finbarr was a true Tarbert man who contributed to the well being of the community in a whole variety of ways. Most notably and memorably, for many years, he led the traditional parade of the “Beating out the Old Year”. He loved to meet up with old friends and enjoyed nothing better than a good singsong.

Finbarr cherished and was very proud of his faith. He was a lifelong member of the Church Choir, he was one of the first Eucharistic Ministers in the parish, a role that he administered reverently, and he was an active member of the graveyard committee.

In his retirement years, he continued to lead a full and active life. As the years passed, he continued to enjoy tending to his garden, saving the turf and the occasional plastering job.

Finbarr always looked forward to the Listowel Races and meeting up with family and friends from abroad. He was considered a good tipster and enjoyed the flutter on the horses.

Throughout his illness, Finbarr was blessed to have so many dedicated and considerate people that enabled his family to care for him at home. The Carrig family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those people especially the Home Help Carers, the public health nurses, the invaluable support of the Home Care Team North Kerry, Dr. Dominic Lehane, Tarbert, Dr Alan Mulgrew and staff of the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee. The family also wish to thank Rev. Fr. John O’Connor and Rev. Fr. Padraig Kennelly, extended family and friends and the staff and volunteers at the Tarbert Community Centre.

The high regard in which Finbarr was held in the community of Tarbert and beyond was reflected in the very large attendance at his removal and funeral mass. A month’s mind mass for Finbarr takes place at St. Mary’s Church, Tarbert at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 3rd.

Finbarr Carrig was an ordinary man who had an extraordinary love for life. May he rest in peace.

Finbarr Carrig