ELMSFORD, N.Y. (August 8, 2011) - Former New York governor Hugh L. Carey, the inspiration behind the biennial matches between the MGA and the Golfing Union of Ireland that now bear his name, died on Sunday, August 7, at his summer home on Shelter Island, N.Y. He was 92.

Born in Brooklyn on August  11, 1919, Carey was a World War II veteran who was first elected to Congress in 1960, representing a large swath of Brooklyn that stretched from Park Slope to Bay Ridge. A Democrat, Carey presided over New York as its 51st governor from 1975 through 1982, and built an almost iconic status thanks to his leadership that guided the state out of one of the most severe fiscal crises since the Great Depression. However, it was his Irish heritage and interest in golf that ultimately resulted in his permanent association with the Metropolitan Golf Association and the creation of the Carey Cup Matches.

The Carey Cup began in 1996, as Governor Carey revived what was formerly known as the “Metedeconk International Challenge Cup,” which pitted six-man teams of Met Area amateurs against members of the Golfing Union of Ireland in a Walker-Cup-style competition featuring four-ball, foursomes, and singles matches. As a proud Irish Catholic who attended St. Augustine’s Academy and St. John’s University, Carey sought to maintain and grow commerce between the two countries and saw the competition as the ideal means of fostering goodwill and sportsmanship.

“Governor Carey will be remembered as one of this country’s most devoted and effective public servants," said Jay Mottola, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Golf Association. "He loved this country, he loved the people of New York, and he was a true leader in guiding the state through difficult financial issues similar to those we face today. He was also passionate about the game of golf and was a long time member of Gardiner’s Bay Country Club on Shelter Island. The MGA was proud to work with Governor Carey and his family in hosting the Golfing Union of Ireland in Matches that since 1996 have been known as the Carey Cup. He was extremely proud of his Irish American heritage and we will miss him at this year’s Matches in October. He would have loved to greet old friends from Ireland at the Black Course at Bethpage, a New York State facility.”

Upon being renamed the Carey Cup in 1996, the matches were held at Hudson National Golf Club, in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., with the MGA team winning back the title. This year’s matches are scheduled for October 18-20 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. Since its inception [the 2011 matches will be its 9th playing since being renamed the Carey Cup], this biennial championship has continued to grow in prestige and has featured fantastic venues and some of the game’s biggest stars, including three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, in their quest for the Silver Claret Trophy.

Governor Carey is survived by his daughters, Alexandria McManus, Susan Dempsey, Marianne Hayes, Nancy Cassidy and Helen O’Neill; his sons Christopher, Michael, Donald, Bryan, Kevin and Thomas; his brothers Denis, John and Martin; 25 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. While the race to earn a spot on this year’s Carey Cup team is in full swing among Met Area amateurs, the event will sorely miss the presence of Governor Carey and his tremendous contributions to the game of golf in the metropolitan area.