Carl Cregan (1946 - 2003)
The Nationalist, January 31, 2003
Carl Cregan, who died in St, Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on January 24, 2003 was secretary of the Cashet King Cormac’s for three years, 1983-85. During these years he proved himself a most efficient officer. A man of great integrity and honesty, the affairs of the club were in excellent hands during his years in office.
Born in Tipperary Town in 1946, where his father was a Dairy Inspector, and from a very distinguished Limerick hurling family, Carl followed the fortunes of the green and white with passion and enthusiasm. He was willing to argue about their merits and defend them against the most fanatical of Tipperary supporters. But it was all done in a nice way, in line with his innate decency and good heart and, when Limerick were beaten, there was no greater supporter of the Blue and Gold.
His family had moved to Kilkenny in 1958 and Carl was educated in St. Kieran’s College. Afterwards he did hotel management at Shannon, where a contemporary was Liam Griffin. His job in the hotel industry took him to Galway, where he played club hurling, and later to Wales, where he spent a number of years. He came to Cashel in 1979 to manage his brother’s pub.
The pub soon became a Mecca for Cashel King Cormac’s supporters, not only because of the talk of hurling and football but also because Carl filled the greatest pint of Guinness it was possible to get. A perfectionist in everything he did, Carl filled the perfect pint! It had to be waited for and Carl was infinitely patient in waiting for it to settle before it was served. And, before he did that, he carved the most perfect shamrock on its head!
Carl was well-informed and was constantly improving his knowledge. Much of his spare time was spent in reading. He was informed on many matters other than sport and this knowledge was revealed in the quizzes he enjoyed so much.
He remained in Cashel until 1988, when the pub was sold. After that he moved back to Kilkenny, where he worked in Brennan’s Bar in Friary Street. He retained his interest in the fortunes of Cashel King Cormac’s
Carl’s passing is deeply regretted by his brothers Richard and Michael, and sisters Mary, Elsie, Noreen, Maeve and Cora. It is also regretted by the members of the Cashel King Cormac’s and especially by those of us who were close to him when a member of the club. A guard of honour was provided by the members on both days of the funeral and the coffin was draped in the club colours. He was buried in St. Kieran’s Cemetery, Kilkenny after midday Mass on Sunday, January 27. May he rest in peace.