A priest of the people Rt Rev Monsignor John McGrane, P.E.A.P. Derrynoose who died rather suddenly was a priest of the people and will be remembered by thousands of former parishioners as a joyful and happy man who had time for everyone he served, someone who put people at their ease immediately. He was an exceptional man in so many ways and throughout his 55 years ministry won the hearts, minds and confidence of those he worked among and reached out to. Originally from Mullavilly in the Parish of Kilmore, Canon McGrane was born on 8 May, 1928, a son of the late John and Mary McGrane. He attended St Patrick's College, Armagh, from 1941-46 before entering St Patrick's Maynooth to study for the priesthood. He was ordained on June 21, 1953. His first appointment was as a curate in Darver and after a short two-year stint moved to Togher where he remained until 1962. Canon McGrane's next move to Cooley, where he spent ten years, from 1962 to 1972 and after serving nine years as a curate in Ardee was appointed Parish Priest of Mullaghbawn in 1981. He returned to Cooley in 1991 as Parish Priest and on his retirement in 2000 came to Derrynoose as Pastor Emeritus remaining there until his death. He was appointed a member of the Metropolitan Chapter (Canon) on 15 November, 1995 and on 1st October, 2003 was appointed Prelate of Honour (Monsignor). Canan McGrane served on many boards and committees. He was chairman of St Patrick's Cathedral Restoration Committee was was also member of the Archdiocese Building Committee. He was also a founder member of RoSA (Regeneration of South Armagh). He was also a founder chairman of St Mary's Primary School, Mullaghbawn and Pastor of the School and a former chairman of the Board of Governors of St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Forkhill. He was entirely responsible for the restoration of St Mochua's Church, Derrynoose where his funeral Mass was concelebrated on Sunday at 1pm. Priests from parishes all over the Archdiocese of Armagh and former parishioners crowded into the hilltop church for the solemn obsequies. Cardinal Sean Brady was the chief concelebrant assisted by Auxiliary Bishop Gerard Clifford, Cardinal Daly was also in attendance. In this beautiful homily Bishop Clifford talked about a much respected and much loved brother priest who had contributed so enormously to the church in the Archdiocese of Armagh. Interment followed in the adjoining cemetery. There was something of God's peaceful presence in Monsignor McGrane. He could remember things clearly and accurately, notice what people were doing, not in a prying or nosy fashion, but in a supportive and interested way. He very often praised and affirmed what he judged to be good and true and honourable in other people. That is the sort of thing that gives people hope. He came from a well known GAA family. His brother Brian, was a member of the Armagh 1949 minor team that won the All-Ireland and his nephew Paul McGrane is the current Armagh senior team captain. He was a constant source of support and encouragement for GAA clubs in all the parishes in which he served. He was a kind, loving and caring pastor and looked upon each and every parishioner as if they belonged to his own family. Canon McGrane was very much a man for getting things done, and the art of rallying support for his projects and was never without a willing and competent workforce when it came to deliver. He was so highly thought of everywhere he served that people left honoured to become involved in parish work and service. He had a way with people, his gentleness and simplistic manner was appealing. He drew people to him, made them feel important and part of which invariably paid handsome dividends for all concerned. He was an achiever, a man for tremendous foresight and vision, so gifted and talented in so many ways. Had he not have chosen a priestly vocation he would most certainly have impacted greatly upon any alternative career. He came from a rare mould, one of the old-time priests, who will be fondly remembered in Derrynoose where he rests and in other parishes in which he served during his ministry. The influence which a person has in life is not confined or conferred by positions held or work done. It also depends largely on personality and on the way we treat people and relate to them. Canon McGrane had it spot on and that is why so many people were greatly saddened by the news of his death on February 7 at Craigavon Area Hospital following a brief illness. Canan McGrane had a sincere and tender love for his vocation and for all he served. Even in retirement he continued to be most generous in his availability to help out and his help was much appreciated. He was a very humble man, believed in everyone having their say and treating everyone with equal respect. Being the holder of so many responsible positions, he had to be firm in his decision-making and that he was yet was never arrogant or dictatorial. He was a gentleman and much admired for his astuteness and wise-counselling. He had a keen eye for detail and arrangements and the many fine churches which he helped to restore and upgrade bear testimony to his innovative ways. He had great ideas and methods pertaining to such matters and the recently restored church in Derrynoose will serve as a lasting memorial to his creativeness and thrift. Tactful, trustful, a born leader, a beautiful man, that was Monsignor John McGrane. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace. To his sorrowing sisters Mary and Joan, brothers Peter and Brian also large extended family, heartfelt sympathy is extended. Courtesy of The Armagh Observor, 14th February 2008 Tweet

Most Read Stories