Death of oldest Oblate
Fr John McGrath OMI
It is with regret that we announce the death of Fr John McGrath, who died on October 17th in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, following a brief period of illness. At 92 years old, he was the doyen of the Province.
Fr Johnny was a native of Fermoy, Co Cork. After ordination in 1940, he was appointed to the South African mission. His voyage to Africa in 1941 was terrifying, an ordeal he would remember all his life. He enjoyed recalling how his ship dodged the u-boat packs in the South Atlantic, reaching the safety of port when so many others were lost.
In those days apartheid was at its most efficient as he served Zulu communities in missions around Durban. Recalling that time, he remembered “a society that was very different then. The system was undoubtedly immoral and unjust, but the country seemed peaceful and crime-free”.
He spent 33 years in South Africa, working “in primitive conditions among wonderful people”. Illness forced him to return home in 1973, and for the next 30 years he worked as part of the parish team in Sacred Heart Parish, Quex Road, London. He retired to Dublin in 2004.
Fr Johnny was a gregarious man who loved people and made many friends wherever he went throughout his long life. He radiated the joy and serenity of a happy man. He will be greatly missed by his community and his many friends.
A large congregation joined with his family and community for the Funeral Mass, which was celebrated at 12 noon on October 20th at Mary Immaculate Church, Inchicore. Burial took place immediately afterwards in the adjoining community cemetery.