Tributes paid to former chairman and president of Mayo GAA County Board on his passing
The death has taken place of one of Mayo GAA's best-known and most respected personalities, P.J. McGrath, Kilbeg, Claremorris, and formerly of Kilmaine.
He is deeply regretted by his beloved wife Phil, sons Paraic, Seán and Séamus and daughter Áine, daughters-in-law, Clara, Valerie and Valerie, son-in-law Peadar, grandchildren, Joseph, Naoise, Olivia, Phoebe, Soracha, Ella, Eoin and Tom, his sisters, brothers, sisters in laws, brother in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and his many friends, to whom sympathy is tendered. He was predeceased by his baby son Cathal.
A retired member of the teaching staff of St. Colman's College, Claremorris, he was a former chairman and president of the County Board and refereed the All-Ireland SFC final between Offaly and Kerry in 1982.
P.J. was presented with a Hall of Fame Award by the GAA in November 2014.
In a tribute tonight, Mayo GAA County Board stated: "Mayo GAA is saddened to learn of the passing of P.J. McGrath. P.J. was a member of the Mayo senior panel in the mid-60's before he took up refereeing at club and national level.
"Over his time he served as president of the Connaught Council from 1994 to 1996 and was chairman of the Mayo County Board from 1997 to 2002.
"P.J. was nominated to contest the position of Uachtaran C.L.G. He was also chairman of the National Referee's Committee.
"Mayo GAA County Board wish to extend its condolences to the McGrath family. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Anam."
The South Mayo GAA Board said P.J. served the GAA throughout his life for club, county, province and nationally.
A tribute by the board stated: "He played his club football with Kilmaine and was a member of the 1966 Mayo senior football panel.
"He also played at full back on the Mayo Junior team the same year.
"He served Mayo as County Board chairman from 1997 to 2002 and later as president. He also served as Connacht Council president and ran for the GAA presidency in 2002.
"P.J. refereed the 1982 All Ireland Senior Football final and two All Ireland minor finals and was also chair of the National Referees Commitee.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Away from sport, the deceased was a leading figure in the Mayo Fianna Fáil organisation for many years and served as constituency chairman.
Paying tribute to him, Deputy Dara Calleary stated: "It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of P.J. McGrath of Kilmaine and Claremorris.
"P.J. was one of life's gentlemen. He was a distinguished member of the GAA as a player, a referee and an official at all levels.
"He served as referee of the famous 1982 All Ireland football final between Offaly and Kerry.
"He was also a dedicated and active member of Fianna Fáil. He served as chair of Mayo Fianna Fail.
"I and many more benefited from his generosity of time and spirit and his immense wisdom and experience. I will be for ever grateful for that.
"My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Phil and their wonderful family.
"His legacy is immense, his influence wide and long lasting. Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a anam."
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
His remains will leave from his home at 2.30 p.m., via Ballyhaunis Road, Market Square and Dalton Street, on Thursday for Requiem Mass at 3 o'clock in St. Colman’s Church, Claremorris, followed by burial in St. Colman’s Cemetery
Mass can be viewed on You Tube Claremorris Church Live or on Local Parish Radio 106 FM