McGrath, Peter
August 26, 2008
The death of Peter McGrath, Swinford Road, Kiltimagh, which took place unexpectedly after a short illness, Saddened his many friends around the area. Peter was a well known and popular figure in the locality for over 30 years. He was manager of the AIB in Kiltimagh from 1975 until his retirement and was especially noted for his kindness and obliging manner.
People had the height of respect for Peter and established a good rapport with him over the years. He was an intelligent and forward thinking person who could always be relied upon to give good and sound advice. He treated all his customers equally and his reassuring presence and ready smile mad them feel comfortable whenever they visited the bank. He also had a warm working relationship with his staff, as was evidenced by the number of them who travelled from many parts of the country to be present at his funeral.
A native of Coalisland, Co Tyrone, Peter was born on July 19, 1928. In his youth he was a keen sportsman and excelled at many sports, particularly Gaelic football and handball. He had the distinction of being on the St Patrick's College teams from Armagh that won the first ever Hogan Cup in 1946 when they defeated St Jarlath's College, Tuam. But the following year, when Peter captained the team, St Jarlath's came back to claim the title. He also played with his native county of Tyrone and, while in latter years his family lent their support to Mayo, he retained a special love for his own County.
It was ironic that he passed away on the morning of Saturday, August 2, the day that Tyrone were to defeat Mayo in the All-Ireland qualifier in Croke Park.
On joining the bank after leaving college Peter first posting was to Mayo and to Swinford, Where he played football with the local club in the late 40's.At that time too he indicated a willingness too play for Mayo but was told that "the county didn't do outsiders" so Peter declared for his native Tyrone. Making the long journey home at the weekends for training. He later served in several branches throughout the north, including Omagh where he met his wife to be, Teresa from Co. Kerry, who was teaching there at the time.
He was appointed manager in Warrenpoint, Co. Down in 1969 and in 1975 took up the position of manager of AIB in Kiltimagh when he and Teresa and their four children settled into a quieter and more relaxed style of living in the West of Ireland. He enjoyed getting out for a round of golf and in the 90's was involved in the revival of the local soccer Club and served for a time as treasurer before it became known as Kiltimagh/ Knock Utd .
Peter liked to socialise with his friends and enjoyed a good conversation. He had an easy and relaxed style that made people feel very much at home in his company. He was also a very hospitable person who made everyone feel welcome when they called to visit. but, above all else, he was kind and loving husband to Teresa, to whom he was married for 47 years, and a loving and caring father. He took great pride in his family and was always there for them. He loved Children and had a special rapport with them, especially with his grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits.
The bonds of friendship established by Peter with the people of Kiltimagh area, who he served with honesty and integrity, Remained strong until the end and he never forgot the warmth and hospitality extended to him and his family since they arrived in Kiltimagh. He will be sadly missed, not only in the family home, but also by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him and who will remember the smile, the warmth of his personality and the genuine nature of the man.
Removal took place from his residence to the Church of the Holy Family on August Monday for requiem mass celebrated by Fr Paddy Kilcoyne, PP, accompanied by a guard of honour from the local soccer club. At the end of mass his sons, Paul and Mark, paid him a lovely tribute describing the wonderful father, grandfather and friend that he was, leaving them with many happy memories, and in particular, his wonderful attitude to life. Afterwards he was laid to rest in Kilkinure Cemetery.
The large attendance, which included many friends from the north and other parts of the country, reflected the esteem in which he was held by so many and the sadness felt by his passing.
He is deeply mourned by Teresa, sons Paul and Mark, daughters Ann and Niamh sister Margaret, grandchildren Ellen, Grace, Thomas, Stan, Kate, Cara, Sarah, Julie, Owen, Jack and James, sons-in-law Chris and John, daughters in-law Breege and Mary and a wide circle of friends to whom sympathy is extended
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