The Late Jim McGrath
There was disbelief in Kilmacanogue last week when word spread that Jim McGrath had passed away after a short illness. Jim was surrounded by his family in the loving care of the staff at St Vincent’s University Hospital.
He was the beloved husband of the late Mary and brother of the late Gerard and Deirdre. Sadly missed by his heartbroken family, children Eddie, Angela, Debbie and Anthony; sisters Collette, Marie and Helen, brother Brendan, daughters-in-law Bernie and Catríona, sons-in-law Glenn and Seán, grandchildren Jamie, Ciara, Matthew, Kyle, Alannah, Jonah, Alison, Shane, Conor, Darragh and Emma, brothersin-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jim was laid to rest at St, Mochonog’s Cemetery on Saturday (23rd) but people just could not let one the villages greatest characters go off quietly without a final farewell and a huge crowd who observed social distancing perfectly turned out to flank the route.
Jim’s family walked from his home to the cemetery where Jim’s Glencormac United Club held a guard of honour joined by all his buddies from Plucks Golf Society, who escorted the hearse all the way to the church grounds. The members all brought a golf club and god knows, Jim adored his golf, always making sure work never got in the way of a round of golf.
Jim was such a lovable character, always saying it first as it was and not wondering should I have said that, funny without even trying. He was a fantastic dad and an absolutely adored Granddad and all his grandchildren will miss him greatly but take comfort that both Granny and Granddad McGrath will now look down and protect them from above instead.
Heaven has gained one fantastic character and won’t be stuck for an old song or two up there as My Way, Ave Maria and Roy Orbison’s ‘In Dreams’ will be belted out without too much prompting.
Normally in closing, we would say Farewell Jim but today we will have to use his favourite catch phrase, ‘Fair Do to the Tiger’. Rest in Peace Jim.
All Jim’s family would like to thank everyone for their kindness throughout the week and will be arranging a Memorial Mass and gathering to raise a glass to him at a later date.