O'Grady, James
August 26, 2010The death has occurred of James J. (Jim) O'Grady, Dublin and formerly Boherlahan, a distinguished figure in Irish aviation. Jim was the oldest son of Patrick (Patk) O'Grady, native of Cloughmartin and of Margaret (Slattery). He was predeceased by his brother Jonn (Leugh) and Gerry (Dublin) and is survived by is sister Tilly O'Dea (Tuam).
On account of the passing of their mother when the children were very young they were cared for by relatives in the Boherlahan, Holycross and Moycarkey area. Jim was brought up in the Leahy household, Tubberadora, attended local N.S. and later Thurles C.B.S.. The Leahy connection, rich in hurling tradition naturally saw Jim involved in the game. He played Fr. Harty Cup along with such as Pat Stakelum and Paddy Kenny as well as his own first cousin Jim (Moycarkey-Borris) and was on the Tipp minor panel of 1945 with the same players. In the 1946 Harty Cup he fronted "Cúlbáire" John also a first cousin.
From the C.B.S. he joined the Air Corps at Baldonnel. He paid, quite literally, many a "flying visit" back to the familiar region of his youth. The locals got to know who was up there observing their activities and dipping wings in salute.
Jim progressed to the rank of Captain after transferring to Aer Lingus, with whom he flew all types of planes and worked on the trans-atlantic route. His calm and relaxed voice would have soothed any anxiety among those on board. He became President of the Irish Pilots Association and later President of the International Federation, the first Irish holder of that position. In the latter capacity he played a large role in the solution to a hi-jacking episode in Tunisia which interrupted air traffic for some time. On retirement from Aer Lingus he worked for Guinness- Peat Aviation, founded by Thurles born Tony Ryan.
He is survived by his wife Audrey (Weir), sons John, David and Richard, daughters Margaret and Audrey. The funeral mass was at the Church of St. Paul of the Cross. Mt. Argus and interment was at Mt. Venus cemetery. Many people in Tipperary will join with his former colleagues in the Air Corps and Aer Lingus in sympathy with the bereaved family and his many relatives and friends.
Courtesy of the Tipperary Star
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