JOHN MCGRATH
Greyhound racing lost a great friend during the week with the sad passing of John McGrath.
A former chairman of the IGOBF, he had great success on the track in the late seventies and early eighties, most notably with Hume Highway and Ballarat Prince.
The former captured the Produce Stakes at Clonmel before going on to break the 575yd track record at Shelbourne Park in 1979, while his litter brother Ballarat Prince won the Guinness 600 in 1980 before also going on to capture the Shelbourne Leger at the end of the year. He went on to become a successful sire in Australia.
in more recent years, John was only too happy to share his success on the track with his daughters Trish and Siobhan. Their most notable success came in 2006 as Sonatina ran out a brilliant winner of the Corn Cuchulainn.
Another star of theirs in recent years was Battle Cry. Amongst the very fastest in training during her career, she was a star over four and six bends, posting some exceptional times including a 28.06 around Shelbourne Park while also reaching the final of the Corn Cuchulainn.
John absolutely adored Battle Cry and got great fun out of seeing her perform so well against the best in training. A true doggy man, who was the best of company, he will be missed by all that knew him. A gentleman to his core, he leaves behind a great legacy.
We would like to send on our sincerest condolences to his loving wife Marie, his son Johnny, daughters Patricia and Siobhan, his sister Joan, his beloved grandchildren Josh, Johnny, Stevie, Jack and Maria, his extended family, neighbours and many friends.
May He Rest In Peace
Funeral Notice
The Death has occurred of John McGrath, Outrath, Cahir, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Clogheenafishogue, Ballylooby, Cahir. 13th February 2023.
John McGrath, retired Commandant of B. Company, 13th Battalion. John in his 89th year died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, predeceased by his brothers Moss and Pat. John will be sadly missed by his devoted wife Marie, his son Johnny, daughters Patricia and Siobhan and their partners, his beloved sister Joan (Fanning), his adored grandchildren Josh, Johnny, Stevie, Jack and Maria, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
May John Rest In Peace
Reposing at his son Johnny’s residence, Eircode (E21KH39) this Friday 17th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm, arriving at St. Kieran Church, Ballylooby, on Saturday for Requiem Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Messages of sympathy can be left on the Condolence link here: https://rip.ie/cb.php?dn=526304