Denis Dinny Carroll was a legendary figure within Cork soccer circles and especially at his beloved Douglas Hall

The recent death of Denis ‘Dinny’ Carroll brought widespread sadness to his family and soccer club Douglas Hall where he served as president for 50 plus years.

Dinny was a character in every sense of the word.

He acted as a coach, a mentor and storyteller to the many people involved in the club and was a key figure to generations of those people who were involved with the club.

Amazingly, Dinny, a sprightly 92-year-old lived life to the full up to three months before his passing and his incredible love for life and sport was epitomized with the attendance at his funeral.

Dinny got married to his beautiful wife Mary (Daly) on Easter Monday, April 22 in 1957, but sadly, Mary (82) passed away in February 2016 after 58 years of marriage.

After living in the back village of Douglas the family moved to Gartan Park and resided there for the last 54 years.

The couple were fortunate to have a family of five that included Ray, Mary, Denis, Rose and Alan and life for the Carroll family was always a happy and positive one.

When a mother goes in any home the loss is always hard to take but Dinny was lucky that at the age of 82 his family ensured he was comfortable and looked after well up to his recent passing.

Sport was simply Dinny’s life as in his young days he was involved with Douglas Harriers before moving into the president’s role with Douglas Hall.

His contribution to Douglas Hall was amazing, as he took pride in his position supporting every section of the club from the boys, academy to the top tier always willing to lend a hand in their hour of need.

Award ceremonies were right up Dinny’s alley as he took pride at various presentations and that rubbed off on the players as they knew their President was really proud of their achievements.

The Douglas Hall 55TH Anniversary Dinner was a very proud occasion for Dinny as he was surrounded by the people he loved and of course his love of music made it a night to cherish.

The football, celebrations and the unforgettable sing songs are what the lads at Douglas Hall will always hold dear to their hearts.

It could be motor racing, basketball or any sport that Sky TV could be televising as Dinny would be taking in all the action and although soccer was his number one love the GAA was another love of his attending numerous games over many decades.

For daughter Rose who showed him incredible love and loyalty the daily visit to him will be a huge void to fill.

“My father was a loveable rogue who had friends all over the world and his own friends at Douglas Hall showed him the utmost respect that we as a family will never forget,” said Rose.

Over many years Dinny compiled a serious amount of various sport programmes and books such was his love of all sports.

“You could not believe the number of sport programmes, photos that he left behind and right to the end he would consistently look through them always quick to remind us he was at all those games,” added Rose.

So how could Rose sum up her legendary father?

“He loved life to the full and his tendency to respect people was extraordinary but as my niece said at his funeral mass his loved going to the pub and loved music but more often he loved music in the pub but it was all down to his unique personality.” 

The number of people that knew Dinny was simply off the charts as he liked nothing better than a good session where of course his melody of songs would enthrall any pub or club in Cork.

Brother Donie, who is based in New York was a musician but Dinny gave many years to the Cork Male Voice Choir and in his later years he was a member of the Choristers.

‘How can you buy Killarney’ was chanted in pubs and clubs all over this country but his talent in singing country and western songs always had people in full voice.

The most striking part of the wake and funeral was the number of young people that attended to pay homage and the overall attendance was large in every sense of the word.

In those who loved Dinny without reservation-and whom he loved in return they suddenly find the harbour lights of their life have been extinguished.

But those same bright lights were an enduring guide to more than family and friends because in truth Dinny Carroll was a very respected man in the Douglas community that won him the title ‘The Lord Mayor’.

So, farewell to you Dinny Carroll and thank you from the countless hearts and souls of the many of us who believe that, with your passing you will be remembered as a man who not alone guided the youth of Douglas but also brought smiles and an uplift to many folk at social gatherings.

There is little doubt the legacy of Dinny will never be forgotten as his character by the countless people he encountered during his 92 year tenure.

Thanks for the memories Dinny and I will conclude with a fitting verse from your favourite song ‘How can you buy Killarney’.

“Nature bestowed all her gifts with a smile 

"The emerald, the shamrock, the Blarney 

"When you can buy all those wonderful things 

"Then you can buy Killarney.”