Mick McGrath was a hugely popular man
THOSE who knew Michael (Mick) McGrath of Ramsfort Avenue, Gorey, were deeply saddened to learn of his passing on December 5 last.
Born on April 5, 1946, he was son of the late Michael and Josephine, and brother of Fergus, Agnes (Hosey), Martin, John, and the late David and Jimmy.
He was educated at the CBS in Gorey and worked at NET in Arklow until the mid-1980’s. He then took up bar work at Leopardstown Race Course where he was a friendly face, especially for race-goers from Gorey.
He was appointed bar manager at Courtown Golf Club in 2003 where he proved very popular with both locals and visitors. He remained employed there until his death.
As a young man, Mick was a talented sprinter, winning many honours on the track. He was a founding member of Gorey Rangers and later turned his attention to rugby where proved himself to be quite a flying winger.
He took up golf in 1981 and joined Courtown Golf Club and remained a life-long and active member until his death.
He had a very wide ranging circle of friends both locally and in Dublin which was very evident by the large attendance at his funeral last Wednesday. During his recent illness, his close circle of friends and family were extremely caring and attentive in his time of need. Gorey Hospital and Dr Nixon provided excellent care.
Mick got a great send off with a lovely ceremony and wonderful music provided by Kevin and Sean Lacey, John Dover, Harry Percival, Brian McLoughlin, and superb vocals by David O’Connor. His life was celebrated in the usual way afterwards in The Bridge Bar and French’s with many stories told of various escapades over the years. He would have loved to have been there.
Mick is deeply regretted by his loving sister, brothers, aunts, uncle, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. May he rest in peace.