Mrs. Claire McGrady

THE community in and around Downpatrick was saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Claire Teresa McGrady, of 2 Slaney Park, Downpatrick, in the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, on February 11. She was 87.

She was born on September 7, 1925, the eldest daughter of Edward and Rosina Hayes, and with her brother Brian and sister Alicia was brought up around the Slaney Inn at Raholp.

As a young child, she spent many happy summer times with her aunt, Cassie Doran, at Ballysuggagh, Saul, before attending Cross and Passion School, Ballycastle, as a boarder.

On June 25, 1957, she married her late husband, Miceal McGrady, in St Patrick’s Church, Saul. The service was conducted by the Rev. Fr. Sylvester McGrady, brother of the groom.

After her marriage Mrs. McGrady gave up her job in the Civil Service in order to look after her two sons. She was a devoted mother and, later, grandmother.

Among her interests, she was an avid crossword silver and also enjoyed walking her dogs. She also loved eating out at local restaurants right up until her final year.

Mrs. McGrady’s requiem mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Saul, on February 13 by her nephew Fr. Colm McGrady, and Fr. Paul Alexander, parish priest of Saul and Ballee. Interment was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Killough Road, Downpatrick.

The sympathy of the community is extended to her sons, Brendan and Kevin, daughter-in-law Mary, grandchildren Niamh, Michael and Dearbhla, and the family circle.