RIP: Galway school to close as mark of respect after death of teacher and 'esteemed' GAA clubman

Tuam Stars and St Jarlath’s College announced the devastating news of the death of Andrew Carney who sadly died on Saturday night.

Andrew was a “Jarlath’s man through and through”, so it was only fitting that he returned there as a teacher 15 years after starting as a student in the mid 90s.

Andrew’s dad Jim is the renowned broadcaster and journalist who is best known as the original presenter of RTE’s The Sunday Game.

Having started out in the Tuam Herald, Jim also ended back there as Sports and Farming Editor after a stellar career during which he also worked with The Irish Independent and with us here at The Connacht Tribune.

St.Jarlath’s College will remain closed on Monday August 31 as they continue to “come to terms with this most tragic of losses”.

The college said they were “all devastated at the passing of our dear colleague, friend and teacher” while Tuam Stars said they had “lost a wonderful clubman, but much more importantly, the community of Tuam and Milltown has lost a wonderful person”.

In a statement, Jarlath’s said: “Andrew was a Jarlath’s man through and through. Andrew’s dedication to St. Jarlath’s College was evident from the moment he joined us as a student in 1994.

“It was the most natural progression for Andrew to join the teaching staff of the college as an English and History teacher in 2011. It was a homecoming of sorts; he had returned to the place where he truly belonged.

“Andrew could only be described as the most kind, generous and thoughtful soul you could meet. He was loved by colleagues and students alike.

“Those students who were privileged to have been taught by Andrew, knew his power as a mentor and leader both in and out of the classroom. His love of sport was known to all and in the college, his dedication to senior football was legendary.”

They finished by saying: “Andrew had a special way with words and an absolute love of the Arts. He was a gifted actor and writer and this was obvious for everyone to see when he premiered his play, ‘The Prodigal’.

“Andrew was always a strong advocate for positive mental health and did everything he could to support the cause.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his parents Jim and Claire, his sister Jennifer, his beloved nephew Jamie, his extended family and wide circle of friends. His loss will be dearly felt by so many. Andy, we will try to smile through the tears. Rest easy, dear friend.”

The Stars also echoed the sentiments of Jarlath’s paying a glowing tribute to a man who meant so much to so many.

The club said: “Andrew was our Club PRO, but to describe him simply by his title would never do justice to the contribution he made to Tuam Stars. He was a friend, a mentor and a constant source of encouragement to so many of our players, coaches and members.

“Over the past number of years, Andrew gave an enormous amount of his time, energy and passion to our club, and we are immensely grateful for everything he did for Tuam Stars.

“Andrew’s first love was always St Jarlath’s College, Tuam, an institution that was such an important part of his life.

“As a teacher, mentor and colleague, Andrew influenced the lives of countless young people. We extend our deepest sympathies to all of Andrew’s fellow teachers, staff, students and the wider St Jarlath’s College community, where his passing will leave a void that can never truly be filled.Andrew’s contribution extended far beyond Tuam Stars and St Jarlath’s.”

The club added: “He was deeply involved in so many aspects of community life in Tuam, and his passing will be felt throughout the entire town and far beyond it.

“He was someone who gave freely of his time and who genuinely cared about the people and the community around him.

“Above all else, our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew’s family at this heartbreaking time: his father Jim Carney, his mother Claire Carney, his sister Jennifer Carney, his nephew Jamie Loftus, the Hynes family as well his entire extended family circle.

“Tuam Stars has lost a wonderful clubman, but much more importantly, the community of Tuam and Milltown has lost a wonderful person.

“Andrew gave so much to so many, and he will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. From everyone at Tuam Stars GAA Club, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Andrew’s family, friends, colleagues and all who mourn his passing.”