In The News

Fans pay tribute to comedy legend Frank Carson

Fans pay tribute to comedy legend Frank Carson

FANS have been paying tribute to comedy legend Frank Carson as preparations are made to bring his body back to Belfast. 

The funnyman, who was 85, passed away at his home in Blackpool after battling stomach cancer.

His funeral will take place in Belfast. The family have not yet revealed when the funeral will be held but it is believed it will be on Saturday, March 3. 

It is understood that Mr. Carson had asked that his Funeral Mass be held in St. Patrick’s Church in Belfast’s Donegall Street, where he had once been a choirboy and where he and his wife Ruth were married. They had renewed their wedding vows there in 2010 to celebrate their 60th. wedding anniversary.

Hundreds of fans have been queuing to sign a book of condolence at Belfast City Hall. Meanwhile, tributes to Mr. Carson have continued to be paid from across the entertainment world.

The Belfastman was a comic legend who had been entertaining audiences for over 50 years.

He was born into a family of Italian descent and grew up in an area of North Belfast which was known as Little Italy.

After working as a plasterer and an electrician, Mr. Carson joined the Parachute Regiment in the 1950s and saw service in the Middle East. But his talent as a comedian was always in the background and after his army service he began to concentrate on entertainment.

His breakthrough came after winning the TV talent show Opportunity Knocks. This was followed by a spot on the hit show of the 1970s The Comedians in which he appeared along with the cream of the country’s comic talent.

With his catchphrases That’s a cracker and It’s the way I tell ’em, Mr. Carson was loved by audiences across the country. For many people in Ireland he was not only a much-loved funnyman but was also regarded, during the Troubles, as an unofficial ambassador for the country at a time when the negativity of the violence dominated thinking.

Mr. Carson always had time in his busy schedule to help charities with fund-raising efforts. His tireless work in this area was recognised by Pope John Paul II in 1987 when he made the comedian a Knight of St. Gregory, the Catholic Church’s highest honour. 

He had been battling stomach cancer and passed away at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his family. In a statement the family said he had “set off for his final gig”. The statement continued: “He went peacefully at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his greatest fans — his extended family. We will be taking him home to Belfast to lay him to rest and celebrate his joyful life.

“It’s quieter down here now. God help them up there!”

To see a Frank Carson performance, click here.

 

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