Glowing tributes have been paid to a beacon of the Corofin community following his passing earlier this week.
William Corbett known to the masses as Willie died peacefully at his home in Liscullane on Saturday where he was surrounded by his loving family. His funeral mass took place on Monday.
As a mark of respect, Páirc Finne remain closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday but in retrospect all of Corofin was stopped in its tracks to hear one of its stalwarts and driving forces had passed onto his eternal rest.
From the oldest residents of Corofin to the youngest, his input to the village was appreciated, this was marked through a minute’s applause by Corofin Harps’ U8 boys team, U8 girls team and U10 girls team at training on Saturday.
His involvement stretched across multiple groups and organisations in the locality including the Tidy Towns, the GAA club and Corofin Harps. To many, he is recognised and remembered as a real leader of the North Clare community.
A lifetime of service across eight decades was given by Willie to the GAA in Corofin and he played an integral role in developing the club to its present day look. He played with the club, managed and mentored teams while he also led the development of the club facilities at Páirc Finne.
On the field, Willie won a Minor B hurling championship with Corofin in 1959, ten years on he added a Junior A title to his collection lining out at centre back on the 1969 side which defeated Killanena.
He held every officer’s role within the club and was part of the committee responsible for acquiring the club’s current grounds back in 1980. Willie set up the club’s weekly lotto fundraiser back in 1999 and also spearheaded the launch of the race night, 45 of which were held under his watch.
In a tribute to him, a spokesperson for the club outlined, “Willie has been taken from us all too sudden, without a chance to say a proper ‘Thank You’ for being the driving force behind providing such a wonderful Club organisation that so many of us, both young and old, are proud to be a part of”.
Joe O’Connell, Chairperson of Corofin Tidy Towns described Willie as “a great family man and a great community man. He believed Willie’s mark would be left on the community of Corofin for some time to come. “He has left a wonderful legacy and was an inspiration to many. Willie didn’t talk about getting things done, he got them done. Willie had a hearty laugh and a lovely smile. He will not be forgotten. It was a pleasure to have known him and to have worked with him on certain projects”.
Willie is predeceased by his precious daughter, Brid. He is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen, and loving sons and daughters, John, Michael, Pat, Marie, Brian and Sinead, his brothers, Paddy, Joe and Gerry, his grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, cousins and wide circle of friends.
