Mayo mourns the loss of a 'true giant'
The late Tony McGarry made a lasting impact on the lives of so many.
Mayo has lost a “true giant” following the passing of renowned educator and community man Tony McGarry.
The Erris native has left a lasting impact in his adopted home of Killala and beyond.
A former school principal of St Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Tony was an esteemed educator who helped to steer the futures of thousands of young people over the years.
His commitment to North Mayo extended beyond his teaching career and Tony was a leading light in the Humbert Summer School as well as working to bring industry and employment to Killala and toiling tirelessly to make his community a better place to live.
Local councillor Jarlath Munnelly was a former student of Tony’s.
“What he did for his community was incredible. He was instrumental in anything progressive that happened in Killala in terms of attracting industry and establishing a community council that was the envy of other parts of the country. Tony was central in that,” said Cllr Munnelly.
“He was a man of brilliant ability and he put that to good use as an educator and definitely as a leader in his community,” he added.
Cllr Munnelly said Tony was a cultured man and was “without peer” when it came to the Irish language. Tony was an Irish and economics teacher before becoming principal at St Patrick’s.
“His work with the Humbert Summer School helped to put our area on the map,” said Cllr Munnelly.
“Tony was a real champion. They don’t make them like that anymore. He was a great man and a true giant,” he added.
Tony of Greenpark House, Killala, was predeceased by his wife Bridie, sister Dolores, and his parents Thomas and Maura.
He will be sadly missed by his sons Darragh (Swinford) and Fiachra (Dublin), daughters-in-law Aoife and Louise; loving grandchildren Aoibhín, Naoise, Donnacha and Amelia; brothers Michael (Belmullet), Joe (Tralee), sister Phil (Tuam), sisters-in-law Ann and Helene; all his nephews and nieces and extended family, friends and neighbours.
Reposal takes place at Lynn's Funeral Home, Killala tomorrow (Friday) from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral will arrive to St Patrick's Church, Killala, on Saturday for Requiem mass at 2pm , followed by burial in Killala Cemetery.
