Mayo Gaelic football legend Padraig Carney has died in California today at the age of 91.
Carney was a star of the Mayo All-Ireland winning teams of 1950 and 1951, and was famously dubbed 'The Flying Doctor' after being flown home from New York, where he was studying medicine, to compete in the latter stages of the county's victorious 1954 National League campaign.
Born in Swinford, Carney racked up a whopping tally of 8-99 in over 30 appearances before his studies abroad forced his retirement at the age of 26.
In addition to his two senior All-Ireland titles, he won National league titles in 1949 and 1954, two Sigerson Cup titles with UCD, a Railway Cup medal, as well as four Connacht titles.
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Pádraig Carney 'The Flying Doctor'. He was a member of the 1950 & 51 All-Ireland winning Mayo teams. He gave tremendous service to the Mayo jersey for a number of years.
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) June 9, 2019
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. #mayogaa
Carney spent the remainder of his life in America but remained an avid follower of the Mayo Gaelic football teams.
A renowned gynaecologist and obstetrician, he was predeceased by his wife Myra and is survived by his three sons, Brian, Terence and Cormac, and daughter Sheila.
The Mayo county board paid this tribute this evening: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Pádraig Carney 'The Flying Doctor'. He gave tremendous service to the Mayo jersey for a number of years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Carney's passing leaves Paddy Prendergast as the last surviving member of the '51 team.
