McGrath, Bernie
September 22, 2009
Bernie McGrath
Lisduff, Irishtown
Bernie McGrath, Lisduff, Irishtown, who at the age of 57, was a former Mayo minor footballer. He had been in declining health for sometime.
He was the youngest of a family of five sons born to Patrick and Delia McGrath. A member of a well known and highly regarded family, Bernie was closely associated with the land and work on the farm. He had a sound knowledge of the farming scene and was a good neighbour and friend. He also spent a time working for the Board of Works and the P& T in his younger years.
During his secondary school days, Bernie spent time in both St Colman's and St Jarlath's Colleges. He was a member of the first St Colman's team to win the Connacht Senior A Colleges title back in 1970.
That same year saw him line out in the halfback line with Mayo minors in the Connacht Final against Galway in Tuam. They lost out to their neighbours that day and Galway went on to win the All Ireland title. The year 1970 marked the first ever live television broadcast of a GAA provincial final and both the minor and senior games were transmitted live form Tuam on that occasion.
Bernie also won a Mayo minor medal with Claremorris in 1970. He was closely associated with the emerging Davitts team of the mid-1970s that powered their way to Mayo junior success before subsequently moving up the ranks. He retained a strong interest in the GAA championships and looked forward to the regular matches on the Sunday Game series each summer.
Bernie encountered some health problems along the way and these were to curtail his involvement in various activities. Still, his caring and compassionate nature was always to the fore and he treasured the kindness of family members and good friends. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
A wake was held in the family home and removal took place form Carey's Funeral Home to Irishtown Church with interment in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by his brother Fr Matt McGrath and Fr Martin O'Connor, PP. They were joined by a number of other priests for the concelebrated Mass.
Bernie, who was predeceased by his parents, is survived by his brothers Joe (New York), Fr Matt (Kenya), Pat (Dublin) and Frank (Lisduff), sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Courtesy of the Mayo News
22nd September, 2009
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