Tragedy hits Corrs family

TOP band The Corrs have been devastated by another death in the musical family circle.

Andrea, Jim, Sharon and Caroline were in mourning yesterday after their uncle Peter Corr died after suffering for three years from crippling Alzheimer's Disease. He was 77.

Peter, who was a famous professional footballer, was the brother of Corr's dad Gerry.

Peter played with Preston North End and Everton as well as being a leading member of the Irish international squad.

He was orginally a Gaelic footballer in his home town of Dundalk before he signed for Preston in 1947 for the then huge fee of pounds 2,500.

He later moved to Everton but said the highlight of his career was playing for the Republic of Ireland in their 2-1 victory over England in 1949.

Peter has been honoured in the Irish sporting Hall of Fame for his legendary footballing career and news of his death stunned the soccer fraternity yesterday.

A tribute to him appeared in the programme for the Republic of Ireland game against Portugal yesterday.

His son Francis, 42, who lives in Preston, said his father had been very proud of his nieces' and nephew's singing career.

He said: "He was a lovely modest man who achieved so much."

"He was proud of what he had done in his life and proud that his nieces and nephew are doing so well with their music."

"I know how much they will be missing him at this time."

After Peter's footballing career ended he opened a newsagents shop with former Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrell but continued to scout for Everton, bringing several household names to the club.

Sir Tom Finney said: "He was a devoted family man - an Irish lad who was always cheerful."

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