To the younger players of St. Patrick's GAC in Saul, Eddie McGrady was just another of those spectators watching from the sidelines, but to the older members of the club he was not only its president but a man who was "instrumental" in its progression.
Paying a glowing tribute to Mr McGrady, St Patrick's committee member Mark McGrath said that away from his political life, the local man "got so much pleasure and pride out of watching his children and grandchildren represent the club with distinction. He said that everyone associated with the club "got to see a different side" to Mr McGrady and that his support of the club went "largely unnoticed, as was his wish."
"To the younger generation of our club, Eddie McGrady, was just another one of those 'oul' boys that walked around the pitch during matches. "Some may have known him better as Ciara's granda, but to those older members, Eddie was not only our club president, but a man who was instrumental in the progression of our club from a gather up in Loughmoney to what it is today," he explained.
"For a man who had such a high profile in the community over the last 50 years we got to see a very different side to Eddie: he was a genuine friend to us all, and his modesty, humility and wise counsel was something we all valued.
"Quite literally no job was too big or too small for EK. Whether it was representing us at the public enquiry to secure our current club grounds, or helping out on clean up days, Eddie would always pitch in with hard work, and quite wit.
"His support of our club went largely unnoticed, as was his wish, but it was valued by all of us who ever came into contact with him."
He continued: "Whether it was roaring on Down in Croke Park or his beloved Saul in St Patrick's Park, Eddie represented all that was best in the GAA, with selfless service to his community. A measure of the universal respect and affection with which he was held in Saul, was when he was bestowed the club's Hall of Fame award in 2011. It was an emotional moment for us all as he received a standing ovation, with a tear in his eye.
"Whether on a personal or collective level so many in our community have benefited from Eddie's assistance but also his genuine care, consideration, and friendship.
"The committee and members of St Patrick's GAC express our sincere condolences to Paula, Jerome, Conaill and the extended family, on the death of our dear friend Eddie - club president, and father and grandfather to former and current playing members Jerome, Conaill, Ruairi, Conaill, Ciaran, Cillian and Ciara.
"Go ndeana dia trocaire ar a anam dilis, he concluded.

Mourne Observer, 13th November 2013 Tweet

Most Read Stories