Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Oct 2001

Vol. 168 No. 4

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy.

Mr. Cassidy

As Leader of the House and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I express our sympathy on the sad death of Paddy McGrath, a former Member of the House, who passed away yesterday. He was a Member of Seanad Éireann from 1973 to 1977 and will be best remembered as one of the country's best known businessmen. He was also a leading figure in the horseracing world and a director of a number of very well known national and international companies. He will be particularly remembered for his involvement in the Irish Hospitals Sweepstake, the hugely successful lottery which helped to fund many hospitals for many decades. However, it is in connection with Waterford Glass that he will be most remembered. Paddy McGrath became involved in the Waterford Glass Company during a time when the glass industry was dormant and was instrumental in Waterford Crystal becoming one of the world's most famous brand names. He was made a freeman of Waterford city and, among other honours, was a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

On behalf of all Members of the House and on behalf of my party, I extend our sympathy to the late Mr. McGrath's wife, Anna, his sons, Paul, Patrick, Neil and Roderick, his daughter, Jane, and his beloved grandchildren, to all of whom we offer our deepest sympathy. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.

Mr. Cosgrave

On behalf of the Fine Gael group, I extend deepest sympathy to Mrs. Anna McGrath and her children, Paul, Patrick, Neil, Jane and Roderick, on their sad loss. It was with great regret that I heard yesterday that Paddy McGrath had passed on. He was a Member of the House between 1973 and 1977. He will be best remembered as a very successful businessman. His father, the late Joseph McGrath, was Minister for Industry and Commerce in the first Government of the State.

Paddy McGrath will be remembered, in particular, for his work with the Irish Hospitals Trust, in which he succeeded his late father as chairman. It is important to recall that, when times were not so good, the Irish Hospitals Trust provided the necessary financial assistance to enable hospitals to function. If we compare it with the present national lottery, there was always a winner when the Hospitals Trust draw took place twice a year. It also gave employment to many, either on a full-time or part-time basis.

Paddy McGrath steered Waterford Glass, in its early years, towards the great worldwide brand of success which it has become. He was a very generous and charitable man who did a great deal of unseen work in relation to charities. In the early 1980s he donated Cabinteely House and Park to the then Dublin County Council and it was opened in 1981 by the then chairman, my colleague, Deputy Seán Barrett. He was keenly involved in the racing industry and his familiar colours were carried to success on many tracks, in particular by Levmoss, the only horse to win both the Ascot Gold Cup and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

On behalf of the House and on behalf of my own group, I extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Anna, his children and extended family.

Mr. Quinn

I came to know the late Senator Paddy McGrath only in more recent years through the Irish Management Institute. Accordingly, it was through his business connections that I got to know him and his wife, Anna. I know that the sympathy of all of us in the House will be extended to all his family. I was shocked to hear the news this morning. I met him regularly on social occasions. He had not been well in recent years but he always had flair and enthusiasm.

If there is a word one could use to describe Paddy McGrath it would be multifaceted because this man covered so much of Irish life over those active years. He had confidence in Ireland, in the people and in their talent. He was the one who made Waterford Crystal the success it became. He also had other involvement in business and in later years he became actively involved in leisure and sport. I was aware of, but not as up to date as Senator Cosgrave on, his horse racing activities. He was clearly very successful there.

He was also a very charitable man and was recognised by the Pope, who made him a Knight Commander of St. Gregory, an honour he received because of the work he put into so many other aspects of Irish life. We in the business world will miss him, his family will certainly miss him and the friends he had over the years will miss this man who brought so much energy, enthusiasm and confidence to everything he did over the years.

Mr. Costello

I wish to be associated with the tributes paid to the late Paddy McGrath who was a Senator in this House. I did not know the man but knew him by reputation. His family was one of the first in this country to show world renowned entrepreneurial skills in terms of the hospital sweepstakes, Waterford Crystal and Wedgewood, at a time when there were very few substantial business people and entrepreneurs in this country. He made a major contribution to the racing industry. He had a great reputation worldwide. On behalf of the Labour Party, I offer my sympathies to his wife and family.

Mr. Dardis

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I join other Members in the expressions of sympathy to the family of the late Paddy McGrath. The McGrath family made an enormous impression on the business, political and sporting life of this country. Paddy certainly left his own indelible mark in all those areas. I had the privilege of knowing his late brother, Joe, reasonably well as he lived close to me at home. The family was always very conscious of their obligations to the State and to society in general. It was Senator Cosgrave's father who nominated Paddy McGrath to the Seanad in 1973. Apart from the racing connection, they had a house on the shores of Lough Corrib and that was another interest he had. To his wife, Anna, his family and colleagues, we extend our sympathy. May he rest in peace.

An Cathaoirleach

I would like to be associated with the tributes paid to the late Paddy McGrath and join in the expression of sympathy to his wife and family.

Members rose.