Warm tributes are paid to renowned Mayo businessman

Mayo is mourning the loss of a true ‘legend’ whose generosity and warmth helped countless emigrants.

Michael (Mick) McGrath, of Milltown, Glenamoy, was laid to rest yesterday (Monday).

Michael ran transport company McGrath Coaches alongside his son Thomas. The hugely successful company, which was founded back in 1923, has long been a vital service for generations of people from Erris, North Mayo, and the west of Ireland.

A talented musician, Michael was also a regular performer at High Chapparal in Geesala.

When the spectre of emigration loomed large in the area, Michael’s quick wit and warm personality made the long and lonely journey to the boat for the UK that bit easier for those leaving their homeland.

Michael’s friend and local councillor Gerry Coyle recalls how Michael would often ferry those who could not afford the drive to Dublin Port for free, only taking payment when the person returned home again with their first wage packet.

“He was one of the first who started doing the runs to Dublin for all of the emigrants,” said Cllr Coyle. “There were countless times where he would bring people up who didn’t have the money to pay for the transport until they earned it in England. He would bring them up and they could pay him when they had the money when they were home again at Christmas or the end of the year,” he said.

Gerry’s first trip beyond Ballina was with Mick McGrath behind the wheel and remembers the warm greetings Mick would get as he travelled through every town and parish.

“He and his family have done so much for this area. You could ring them day or night. He was a true legend who always had a good word for everyone.” 

There were scores of online tributes to the hugely popular Glenamoy man.

“He will be sadly missed, always great craic and a great musician, a true gentleman,” stated one.

“Like a lot of people Mick took us on that long journey to Dublin to get the boat to England at a very young age and very lonely but Mick always cheered us up on the way with his funny jokes,” read another.

Michael will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mary, sons Padraic, Michael, Thomas, daughters Mary and Sally, brother Brendan Rooney and his wife Eileen. Sons in law John and Pat, daughters in law Angela and Mary, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Funeral Mass took place at St Paul’s Church, Glenamoy yesterday with burial in Glenamoy cemetery.