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My grandfather, Owen McCarthy passed away at grand age of 95 this week. He was one of Ireland’s top referees in his day, refereeing the FAI Cup final in 1968 (which he always said was the highlight of his career), along with numerous international and European Cup matches.
I was delighted to be able to bring the cup to him when City won in 2016. It meant a lot to him to see it in the flesh again. You can see a bit of him in action in the very brief highlights here - a 3-0 win for Shamrock Rovers over Waterford
A number of years back I brought Granda to an event at which then City boss Damien Richardson was in attendance. Rico started the ‘68 final, and I asked him if he gave Granda any abuse. “We won 3-0 so I didn’t have to!”
When his refereeing career was over he became a referee assessor, and also helped to bring through the next generation of refereeing talent. Pictured here with the man he said was the best referee he ever saw - his great friend Sammy Spillane.
Here he is in action again, a World Cup qualifier between Denmark and Greece.
My granda instilled in me a love of football from a very early age, bringing me to Bishopstown for City games. He always encouraged me to support my local team first. Were it not for him I wouldn’t have the love of sport that I do, and I wouldn’t be doing what I do now.
I’m sad he’s gone, and I’m incredibly sad Covid robbed me of spending any time with him whatsoever in the last 10 months of his life. But I’m glad of the time we spent together, and of the very fond memories I have watching football with him in his house in Pouladuff, & the Cross
He’ll always be my hero. Rest in peace, Granda.
