A seaside town was in mourning yesterday following the death of its favourite adopted son, legendary comic
Frank Carson.
The Belfast-born funnyman, who died on Wednesday aged 85 following a battle with stomach cancer, had a deep fondness for the Co Dublin town of
Balbriggan and served as its Lord Mayor on two occasions.
He was known for his infectious laugh and catchphrases including “It’s a cracker” and “It’s the way you tell ’em”. Books of Condolences were opened in both Balbriggan and Belfast yesterday. Cathaoirleach of Balbriggan, Grainne Maguire, revealed the town will honour Mr Carson in some way and hinted a roundabout could be named after him.
“When he was last over in 2009, Frank joked that he would love a roundabout or something named after him so we don’t know what will be decided in the future but we will certainly be honouring in him in some way,” she said. “He made the town smile for decades and we are deeply sad over the loss for our beloved friend and neighbour.”
After honeymooning in Balbriggan, Frank and wife Ruth moved to the town in 1950. They moved back and forth with their three children, Majella, Tony and Aidan, for several years before Frank spent his last years in Blackpool in England. His remains will be flown home from Blackpool to his native Belfast next Wednesday for a funeral service, which is expected to take place next Saturday.