Rembering Con (Neil) McCarthy
It was with the greatest regret that we learned of the death of Con (Neil) McCarthy.
He was a constant member and supporter of the Club over the years, often quietly behind the scenes. He was, in his time, a regular competitor, using his mechanical preparation skills and driving ability to turn in performances initially in Minis and then in Nova/Corsas that were the envy of many with deeper pockets.
He was always happy to give his advice to fellow competitors including in particular anyone building their first car but he was also well respected by more established competitors as a source of valuable information and help.
In recent times his declining health restricted his abilities but he still turned up to events as much as he could and while not being able to offer any direct help he remained a most welcome visitor who contributed greatly to the general atmosphere and banter.
However possibly his most important contribution to the sport was as patriarch (not that he would describe himself as such) of the McCarthy clan – along with his beloved (and loving) Madge he imbued in his family a love of and interest in Motorsport from the earliest of years. As a result, Cork MC has had Darren, Greg and Paula as current or past directors and others (including Bryan prior to his transatlantic move) as active members, with Darren and Greg in particular being majorly responsible for the continuing success of the West Cork Rally and Greg also being a very Active Club Chairman on recent years.
He was never a man to boast, and he quietly accepted the “Spirit of the Rally” trophy awarded officially to the McCarthy family as a whole at this year’s West Cork, but I think we all knew how pleased he was, and how proud he was to have the family recognised. True to character though, he would say it was the family, and not him, that won the accolade, but most saw it as a personal “Hall of Fame” award to a very deserving recipient.
We have lost another true Clubman competitor, and extend our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the McCarthy family in this difficult time but the can take some solace from knowing that they did all they could to support and help their father during his recent travails.
Rest in Peace Blocky!
