RIP Jack Carney

Jack Carney

It is with the deepest regret that I write this short tribute to a dear friend and colleague who passed away in the early hours of Monday morning, June 8th 2009.

I first met Jack when I was drawn to play him in a qualifying match for the English amateur championship. The result of that match in Merthyr Tydfil is unimportant. What is important is that on that day a friendship was forged on mutual respect and admiration. A friendship that has lasted for over 30 years.

Jack Carney was one of the very few players of his generation who could regularly knock in century breaks at both snooker and billiards. He was a fierce competitor with a superb knowledge of both games but whether he had won or lost he always seemed to finish the match with a smile on his face.

When he finished playing competitively Jack  put his energies into coaching, and the administrative side of the Welsh association. He has worked tirelessly in various positions including being press officer and Welsh team manager. I feel privileged to have served on the Welsh committee for many years with him and  on international duty as a player and official.

Some of the things that made Jack one of the most liked and respected figures in snooker, not just in Wales, but throughout the snooker playing World was his honesty, integrity and  wicked sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Certainly Welsh snooker will never be the same without him.

Rest in peace mate, You will never be forgotten, you were one of the best.
 On behalf of the Welsh association I would like to offer sincerest condolences to Jack's family.

Jack will be laid to rest at 2 .00pm on Wednesday 17th June at Ceod Gwilym Cemetary, Clydach, Swansea.

Jacks family have requested that any Welsh players and officials past or present wear their red blazers in tribute if they so wish.
 
John Dobson