Comic Carson being laid to rest in Belfast
Hundreds of people lined the streets today to pay tribute to “prime minister of fun” Frank Carson at his funeral Mass in Belfast.
Family and friends of the comic, 85, famed for one-liners including “it’s a cracker” and beloved to millions who saw him on television packed St Patrick’s Catholic Church for the service in the same building where he was married 62 years ago.
Wife Ruth and his three children led mourners from around the world.
Bishop Edward Daly told them: “Frank made millions of people smile and laugh. He brightened up their lives. He was a prime minister of fun. That was his mission in life.”
Television presenter Eamonn Holmes said he was at the funeral as a family friend and neighbour from the earliest years.
“He is one of the most famous sons of Ulster, that sums up what he means to everybody in Northern Ireland,” he said.
Comedian Stan Boardman and snooker player Dennis Taylor were among mourners.
Dana, comedian Roy Walker and boxer Barry McGuigan were also present.
Boardman said: “Frank was a nice man, whenever he went into the room, even before he came into the room, he was approachable, he would go over and talk to people.
“He was a sort of uncle, everybody used to call him Uncle Frank.
“He did not offend anybody, his gags were brilliant and he was a funny man.”
Taylor remembered a flight to Bangkok with Carson and Boardman for charity work.
“Sitting on a flight for 14 hours between Stan Boardman and Frank Carson, that is an experience I will never forget,” he said.
