Passing of 1952 All-Ireland winner Paddy Carolan

News

Cavan county board have paid tribute to former player and official Paddy Carolan, who passed away peacefully this morning aged 96.

Carolan was the last surviving All-Ireland senior medallist from the county, having lined out in attack in Cavan’s win in the 1952 All-Ireland final and his passing severs a link to the glory days of Cavan football, when the county won five senior All-Irelands betwen 1933 and 1952.

The Carolan family are steeped in Gaelic football. Paddy’s uncle Willie won an Ulster senior medal with Cavan in 1905, his son Ronan was one of the county’s great forwards and a member of the 1997 Ulster-winning side and his grandson Niall is currently one of the leading players on the Breffni squad.

Furthermore, Paddy's late brother Edwin was a member of the team who won the 1947 All-Ireland in New York.

The late Paddy, who ran a successful legal practice, went on to be a selector on successful Cavan teams in the 1960s and was later President of Cavan county board.

“I got to know Paddy when he was President in 2016,” county chairman Mark O’Rourke told the Anglo-Celt this morning.

“It’s always sad to lose a great Gael and it’s particularly poignant when Paddy was our last surviving All-Ireland winner.

“On behalf of Cavan county board, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Carolan family and all in the Cuchulainns club.”

Cuchulainns are due to play Killinkere in the semi-final of the Intermediate Championship this weekend. Continuing the family link, Niall and Oisin Carolan, grandsons of Paddy’s, are key members of the team.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.

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