Pearse had a successful rugby career with the Curragh RFC winning a Towns Cup medal in 1967 and a Seconds Cup medal in 1979. Towards the end of the 1995/1996 Rugby season, it was becoming apparent that the future of rugby in our area was under threat as our playing standards were not keeping abreast of those in other areas and other clubs. As a result, merger discussions commenced in May 1995 between the Curragh and Old Kilcullen to amalgamate to form Newbridge RFC.

Newbridge RFC was formally launched at a meeting in early June 1996. Lieutenant Colonel Pearse McCorley was central to these discussions and was a driving force in ensuring that the amalgamation took place. He was the first President of the new Club and remained a significant supporter and contributor to the club until his sad passing.

The McCorley family made a substantial contribution to the foundation of the State and to the Defence Forces. His late father, Colonel Felix McCorley and his uncle Roger McCorley joined the Volunteers and they fought in the War of Independence with the Belfast Brigade, 3 Northern Division, both joined the National Army. Pearse’s brother was Colonel Roger McCorley DSM and his son is Lieutenant Colonel Rory McCorley, a serving officer in the Defence Forces.

Pearse joined the Defence Forces on 12th December 1961 as a member of 36 Cadet Class and was commissioned on 15th July 1963. Pearse had a distinguished career in the Defence Forces serving in many significant appointments at home and in particular, overseas. He retired in January 2002.

Pearse’s Funeral mass on Wednesday morning at 11am. The Mass will be live streamed on The Curragh Church face book page https://www.facebook.com/TheCurraghChurch