Tributes paid to popular teacher

A POPULAR teacher and soccer coach at Skibbereen Community School, John McCarthy, passed away on Sunday, December 2nd.

In a tribute to the former science and maths teacher there is a portrait photograph of Mr McCarthy on the school’s website and an inscription: ‘Our Teacher, Coach, Colleague and Friend. Rest in peace.’

Principal Anton O’Mahony extended his sympathy to John’s family and outlined how he had previously taught at Rossa College, as well as serving as advising examiner in Higher Leaving Cert Maths with the State Examinations Commission.  

Mr O’Mahony said: ‘John’s contribution was not confined to the academic, he was also an avid sportsman. In his younger years, in London, John was actively involved with Crystal Palace. Later, he shared and imparted that knowledge and skills in different areas of West Cork, notably Lyre Soccer Club, MICC, Rossa College and Skibbereen Community School.  

‘John prepared those underage teams – who enjoyed much success – and, more recently, he was ably assisted by one of his students, Sean Finn Gallagher.  John was very actively involved in the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) and was a member of the National Treasury and a former treasurer and auditor of the Co Cork Branch.  He regularly attended meetings and was a great support to younger members entering the teaching profession.’

Principal O’Mahony said: ‘John was a devoted family man and enjoyed many events with his three sons: Tadhg, Conor and Michael, together with his wife Ruth.  

‘These are the people who were always foremost in his mind, and that was so evident with the recent birth of his grandson Michael-John. It is testament to his character that he made the long flight to Australia during the mid-term break to welcome this family addition.’

Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, December 7th at 2pm followed by burial in Kinneigh Cemetery.