Four years today since the untimely passing of the late, great John Dinnybobs McCarthy

Four years ago today I lost a great friend.  He was the kindest, funniest, most sincere friend anyone could ask for, and I miss him dearly.

The northside of Cork was stunned to wake up and hear of the untimely death of one of its best loved characters, John Dinnybobs McCarthy.

John McCarthy, Dinnybobs, to all that knew him, was one of the best known and most loved sporting characters on the northside of Cork.

As a person, and a friend, you would not find better or funnier, however, Dinnybobs also had an incredible sporting career.

Dinny, who hailed from Churchfield in the heart of Gurranabraher, was the son of the late Denis and Gracie, and his siblings were Kathleen and Rosie.

Dinny is one of those people who could put his hand to anything, and turn it to gold, and he will always be remembered as one of Cork’s finest dart players.

He was also one of the greatest point guards that ever played basketball in this country.

He could do it all, shoot, dribble, pass, was full of tricks and he was also an accomplished soccer player.

Six months after his death Sean Leahy, his sisters, Kathleen and Rosie, along with the Cork Darts community thought it would be a great idea to start and name a tournament in the memory of his name.

This event is held in the Joshua Tree every year since, with this year’s event taking place on the 10th of April.

“Dinny was not only one of my closest friends, he was also one of the best dart players in Cork and he is fondly remembered every year by the Cork darts community,” Sean said.

“I know he could turn his hand to any sport, however, his tournament is a special way for all his friends to come together every year to celebrate his life, as he was such a great character.

“We can expect the Josh to be packed once again on the 10th of April for his doubles tournament, such was the popularly of the man that was the man. 

"His sisters Kathleen, Rosie, his brother in law Paul McGary along with all his friends from all the different sports will come along and share stories about him."

Dinny started playing darts for Conny Donovan's Bar with his cousin Carl Lawlor, and then went on to play with O’Mahony’s Bar , the Joshua Tree, Island Tavern and the Tower Bar.

Some of Dinny’s big successes were when he won the Cork Premier Individuals in 2006 beating John O’Shea in the final.

He also won the Murphy's Individuals six years later beating Peter Quinn in the final, and also won two Cork doubles tournaments with Christy Hennessy and Ken Morrison.

When playing with these bars, he made some great friends like Martin Dineen, Sean Leahy, his brother-in-law Paul McGarry, Paul Philpott, Martin Cotter, John O’Shea, Stephen Hill, Stephen O’Connor, and many more.

“Dinny was the first winner of the Cork Premier Players Individual tournament that was held at Kennedy’s Lounge Bar that was on Blarney Street. "His opponent in the final was John O’Shea, who he defeated, and O’Shea went on to win the BDO World Individual Championship later in his career and also played professionally. 

"That would just show you the standard of dart player that Dinny was.

“He also went on to win many doubles tournaments, however, but his biggest win of his career was when he won the CDO Individual title in 2012 an event that had over 200 entries. 

"He claimed the title by beating Peter Quinn in the final at a packed St Vincent’s GAA Club. 

"He also had loads of success with the Island Tavern, Tower Bar and many more, however, the Joshua Tree was his bar where he helped me run tournaments every Friday night.

“All the proceeds of the tournament goes to a different charity every year, however, I would like to mention Bill Creagh and Anthony Coughlan as they make a huge financial contribution every year.

“The night usually finishes with DJ Liam playing Dinny’s favourite songs and you can be sure a few tears will flow in his memory.

“Although Dinny is gone from all of us, he will or shouldn’t be forgotten and with this tournament we will make sure that his memory will always be cherished by everyone,” Leahy added.

Dinny's passing has left a void in the lives of everyone that knew him and the Cranky Corner in the Josh has never be the same again with his great wit and humour, however, every time Sweet Caroline or My Way is sang all his friends remembers him with a big smile.

I know I certainly do.