Sunday, 3 November 2013

In Memoriam: Mary "Mamie" McGrath (née Fitzhenry) 1924-2013

We were saddened to hear of the death of Mamie McGrath on 28 October though a message from her family

Mary Theresa was the fourth child of seven born to John and Mary Fitzhenry of Drimsnave, Co. Galway.
Theirs was a farming upbringing but all the children were educated at the local National School. Mamie continued her education and trained as a cook, working in the household of Senator J.E.McEllin along with her sister Nora.
While working for the Morrin family in Co.Mayo, Mamie met Michael McGrath, who she married at the age of 22 in her local church at Cornamona. They ran a farm and in 1963 bought what is now McGrath's quarry in Cong, Co. Mayo. Fifty years later that quarry is still in the McGrath family and still going strong.

Mamie and Michael had 10 children, but sadly Michael died at the young age of 49 in 1970, leaving Mamie to raise a family, look after the farm and manage the quarry, which her sons took over after a few years.
She was always active with her cooking, family, travelling; founding the Neale Ladies GAA club was amongst her achievements.

Mamie was guest of honour at the grand dinner during the Fitzhenry gathering in Cong and Cornamona this August. At that event, it was calculated that with 10 children, 32 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren Mamie and Michael had contributed to nearly half of the 180 descendants of John and Mary Fitzhenry!

She will be sadly missed by her family and by the local community


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