In the Autumn of 1959 a new Headmaster graced the corridors of the Sacred Heart Primary School in Dundrum. He went by the name of Mr Jarlath Carey or 'Sir' as he became affectionately known.

However, Jarlath was not a native of his newly adopted village. He hailed from the village of Ballymartin on the South Down coast. It was here that Jarlath spent the majority of his younger years before receiving his secondary education at St Malachy's College, Belfast. Not only did Jarlath receive educational tuition at St Malachy's but his footballing pedigree was also engineered there. The highlight being securing a much coveted MacRory Cup medal.

After completing his term at the Antrim Road based school Jarleth went on to qualify as a teacher. Just as his career was taking off so was his football. While Armagh were contesting the 1953 All Ireland Final against Kerry - something Down were destined to do seven years later - Jarlath was making his debut for the Mourne county. Two years later he bagged his first Down SFC medal when he steered the Ballymartin Lilywhites to the 1955 crown.

As mentioned earlier 1959 saw the arrival of Jarlath in Dundrum. Just before he took up his post in the Primary School he made the journey with his Down teamates to Wembley Stadium, London. Here, along with his new Dundrum club mate Eddie McKay, Down annexed the Wembley Tournament trophy with a scintilating 3-09 to 4-04 victory over a Sean Purcell led Galway team. Jarlath lined out at corner forward in that game with Eddie commanding the goal. A couple of months later Jarlath and his comrades secured Down's first ever Ulster SFC when they thrashed the mighty Cavan at Clones on the 9th of August. All Ireland glory did not arrive in 1959 but one year later a new dynasty was born.

The early 60's proved to be a highly productive period for Jarlath. He amassed two All Ireland SFC's, two NFL titles, a St Brendan's Cup accolade and a quartet of Ulster SFC medals. He also toured America coast to coast with his fellow playing companions as they exhibited their skills in such cities as Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

For the majority of these games Jarlath was the midfield man. Described by many as the workhorse, he covered nearly every inch of grass on whatever turf he graced. Raymond Smith, an Irish Independent Journalist once wrote in his book 'The Complete Handbook of Gaelic Games' : "Let me say that I have talked to great judges of the game who have no doubt that the Down 1960-61 side, with the dominant midfield pairing of Joe Lennon and Jarlath Carey and the penetrating half-forward line of Sean O'Neill, Jim McCartan and Paddy Doherty, was the most powerful in football history."

In 1965 Jarlath brought his footballing career with Dundrum and Down to an end. His job as Headmaster was now his main priority. Whether it was educating his students about Geography and History or leading a PE session at the 'Commons', Jarlath put everything he had in to the school and it's children. His influence as a teacher was clearly lasting as his funeral was attended by a large number of men and women who he once taught. In a humorous interview with the Sunday Life's Micheal McGeary back in 2004 Jarlath joked about one of his more illustrious past pupils. In reference to a certain Patrick Kielty, Jarlath remarked that 'I taught him all he knows but not all that I know!'

As the years went by Jarlath continued to be a presence in the Gaelic club. Along with Pat Lennon and Tommy McShane (RIP), he was instrumental in securing funds for the new football pitch which was developed in 1985. Then in 1987 he proudly witnessed his son Martin along with Patrick and John Kielty lift the Tom Markham Cup with the Down Minor squad. During the 90's he followed his youngest son Chris who pulled on the Dundrum Senior jersey for many a year. Then at the turn of the millenium Jarlath became secretary of the club once more and served diligently from 2000 to 2002.

Apart from the GAA scene Jarlath also pursued many other interests. He was a very able Bridge player and along with his wife Nuala took great interest in quizzes. The Golf Course at the Royal County Down also served as a hobby for him in his later years. His fourball played every Sunday and consisted of 1960 Down captain Kevin Mussen, James McKinney and Denis Kearney. Travelling was again a major love of Jarlath's and Nuala's. Places as diverse as Canada and Peru provided interesting holidays for the pair.

So, on Wednesday the 4th of October 2006 Jarlath departed this life. He spent 74 years on this earth before succumbing to a long term illness. His home, situated beside Dundrum Castle, is nestled on a hillside that dominates the village's skyline. Everyday that Jarlath walked out of his front door he would of seen Dundrum in its entirety. Dundrum, a community that Jarlath served so well for 47 years and one that will never forget him.

To his sons Martin, Nicky and Chris, to his daughters Cathy and Helen and to his extended family the Dundrum club would like to offer their deepest and most sincere sympathies.

Mark Fitzsimons, PRO, Dundrum GFC