A man of the people” and someone who “always endeavoured to do his very best” were just some of the tributes paid yesterday to the late John Carty, who passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 63. The former politician from Knock had served Mayo as Fianna Fáil TD from 2002 until the 2007 general election, and after that as a member of the Seanad from 2007 until 2011 when he decided not to run again. Prior to that Mr Carty had been a county councillor for the Claremorris electoral area. He is survived by his wife Kathleen and their eight children.
Fianna Fáil Deputy Dara Calleary paid tribute of his former colleague, saying: “There is a just a sense of shock and loss at the news. John was one of the good guys, a great person to know and be around. He was a great servant to Mayo and particular his home area in Knock and he did an awful lot for the airport there. He’ll be missed by us all and the people of Mayo who he did his all to serve.”
Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin paid tribute to him saying: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death last night of my former colleague and friend John Carty. John was one of life’s true gentlemen. He was great company, great fun, and always had time for everyone. John Carty was a man of the people. I remember how proud he was the day he was elected a TD in 2002. He was truly honoured to represent the people of Co Mayo in Dáil Éireann. He was a diligent and dedicated public representative and took his job as a TD, a senator, and a councillor very seriously.”
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has paid tribute to the late Mr Carty saying: “John Carty was a true gentleman. I served with John on Mayo County Council and in Dáil Éireann. I always found John to be an amiable man. He served his constituents well and always endeavoured to do his very best. He was a wonderful family man. His loss will be greatly felt by all who knew and loved him.”
