Former north Cork IFA chair and his wife die in road accident near Mallow

This Tuesday afternoon, Con McCarthy and his wife Mary, both in their mid-70s, were driving along a route on the N20 that both would have known well, as it was just a few miles from their home near Buttevant, Co Cork.

Con and Mary were both killed when their car collided head-on with another car being driven by a sole female occupant. The female driver was injured in the crash but her injuries are said not to be life-threatening.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, John Coughlan, who is from the same North Cork IFA branch as Con and is in the running for the role of IFA Munster regional chair, said it was “awful” news.

Activists in the community

“Con and Mary were great activists in the community and were very well-known and well-liked. Con was former north Cork IFA chairman and former chairman of the IFA livestock committee. He was also very involved with the local GAA and Fine Gael. Mary was also very involved in the community and did a lot of work with the Irish Countrywomen’s Association and with Fine Gael.”

According to Coughlan, the last IFA event Con attended before the crash was the head-to-head IFA presidential candidates debate in Mallow, Co Cork.

“He was also the first person to stand up and nominate me for the position of Munster regional chair at our meeting earlier this year. Con was very dedicated to the IFA throughout his life and up until the end took a great interest in the organisation. They will both be sorely missed.”

Con, who is from Hare island in Co Cork, met his wife Mary, who is originally from Co Mayo, while Mary was working as a nurse in Cork.

They are survived by their three sons, John, David and Conor.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the crash and anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022-31450, The Garda Confidential Line, 1800-666 111 or any Garda Station.