Tipperary legend Carey dies

THE death took place yesterday of Tipperary hurling legend Kieran Carey, who won five All-Ireland senior medals between 1958 and 1965 and, among other League (5), Railway Cup (5) and Oireachtas (5) honours, shared the distinction with his Roscrea team-mates of winning the first ever All-Ireland club title in 1971.

Carey was a member of the famous full-back line consisting of himself, John Doyle and Michael Maher, retiring following Tipp’s defeat by Kilkenny in the 1967 championship decider.

Current County Board Chairman John Costigan, who took over his position at corner-back, paid tribute to him as a player of outstanding quality and character. “There is great sadness at the death of one of the most revered players of his generation,’’ he commented. “He will live long in the memory after a lot of us have gone.’’

Recalling the reputation of the full-back trio, he described Michael Maher as ‘steady and unyielding,’ John Doyle as ‘flamboyant,’ adding: “Kieran was probably the toughest of the three of them! He really complemented the other two.’’

His All-Ireland medal wins were in 1958, 1961, ‘62, ‘64 and ‘65.

A member of the first Roscrea team to win the county championship in 1968, he went on to win three other medals. He also won a Laois county medal with Knock.