Ушел из жизни Гарри Карсон, основатель футбольного клуба Эннискеллен Рейнджерс

ONE of the founding figures behind Enniskillen Rangers, Harry Carson MBE, has passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Fermanagh football. Formerly of Woodford Drive in Armagh, Mr Carson passed away on August 30, aged 96 years old. Enniskillen Rangers paid tribute to a man whose contribution to the club stretched back more than seven decades, describing themselves as “deeply saddened” by his passing. Mr Carson was the last surviving founding member of Enniskillen Rangers, having established the club in 1953 following the disbandment of Enniskillen YMCA FC. His involvement in football, however, began many years earlier. During the 1940s and early 1950s, he enjoyed a successful playing career with Enniskillen YMCA and captained the Fermanagh and Western Representative side on a number of occasions. Following the demise of YMCA FC, Harry played a central role in establishing Rangers, bringing together his brother Cecil and a number of players who would become closely associated with the new club. He went on to win a number of medals with Rangers before his career took him away from Enniskillen. Despite this, his connection with the club remained strong and he returned on several occasions to play. His final appearance came in September 1968, when he turned out in goal for Rangers. Although his playing days eventually came to an end, Mr Carson continued to take a keen interest in the club he had helped establish. He attended anniversary dinners and regularly sent his congratulations to Rangers following their successes. The club recalled a particularly significant visit in 2015, when Mr Carson and his wife Iris returned to the Ball Range accompanied by his brother Cecil. During that visit, Mr Carson expressed his great pleasure at seeing how the club had developed from the foundations he had laid more than 60 years earlier. Rangers said Mr Carson had followed the club’s progress ‘closely’ throughout the years and continued to take pride in its achievements. Outside of football, Mr Carson was a stalwart of the Armagh community, receiving a Member of the Order of the British Empire award for service to the community in Armagh. He dedicated 42 years to public service, working for many years as the Chief Librarian of the Southern Education and Library Board in 1990. He later served as the Deputy Keeper and a long-time Lay Governor and Guardian of the historic 18th-century Armagh Robinson Library. Mr Carson is survived by his wife Iris, sons Geoff and Tim, daughter-in-law Julie, and grandchildren Sam, Calum and Andrew. Following his funeral service at St Mark’s Parish Church in Armagh on Friday, he was cremated. This content is for subscribers. Sign in or suscribe to get full access..