Passing of Mr. Liam Corey - former headmaster of St. Louis Primary

THE Requiem Mass of former Ballymena Principal, Mr Liam Corey, took place at All Saints Church last Saturday (August 2).

Mr Corey passed away on July 30, peacefully at home.

Hundreds of people, many of whom were former pupils of Mr Corey, packed the church to pay their respects and bid a final farewell to the much loved teacher.

Many funeral goers attended from Coalisland, Mr Corey's "native heath".

Canon Paddy McKenna recalled the life of Liam: “As an academic and educationalist, he obtained an Honours Degree in Irish Studies and Modern History.

“That was followed by Post-Graduate research in Linguistics at the University of Ulster.

“He obtained a Masters Degree also in Educational Management.

“He became Head of the Irish College in Ros Goill. He was a former Principal in the Gaelscoil in the Lower Falls Road and Chairman of the Board of Governors.

“He still had time to be a founder of the GAA Club at the new university. He taught for many years in the primary school in Harryville, very happy years.

“In due course he became Principal of St Louis Primary School and I just met one of his former pupils coming into the church; he said, 'Father, you have no idea of how much of an impact Liam had on me'.

“I know he loved the Irish language and Liam conducted night classes in Irish for over 40 years in Ballymena here, in Dunloy and in Glenravel.

“On a political level, he chaired the SDLP North Antrim constituency and after the Good Friday Agreement, was appointed by the Irish and British Government to the Cross Border Language Body, Foras na Gaeilge.

“He was also appointed to the first Ballymena District Policing Partnership.

“He loved life. His love of life, his love of family, they've drawn to a close.

“We commend him to God's mercy and we pray for the happy repose of his soul.”

Canon McKenna continued that Mr Corey “loved his vocation” and “loved a Friday afternoon, he gathered the whole school community in to the Assembly Hall and they thanked God for the week gone by”.

Culture

It was said that “wherever Liam went, he wore the Fáinne, I think he brings it with him to the Lord”.

“He had a tremendous love of the Irish language, of Irish music and song and dance.

“That was his culture, that was his faith, part of his DNA.

“In his own unique way, he showed us how his culture can give us an understanding of the greatness of God and the compassion he has for us as a loving Father.”

Tributes

Tributes poured in for Mr Corey across social media, many from past pupils praising him as a teacher, a principal and as a “gentleman” who “would light up the room”.

Former Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Bréanainn Lyness commented: “A legend in the Irish language community in Ballymena and my ex principal, I am very sad to hear of Liam's death. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Eugene Reid, who served as an SDLP councillor in Ballymena, posted: “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Condolences to Anne and the entire family circle.”

Mr Corey is survived by his wife Anne and children Rónán and Niamh.

He was father in law to Nuala and Luke, son of Mary Corey and of the late Paddy Corey R.I.P. dear brother of the late Patrick and Joseph R.I.P.(Coalisland).

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, son, daughter, mother, daughter in law, son in law and wider family circle Ballymena and Coalisland.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.