Sadness over wide area of south Donegal at death of Tony McGroary

There was shock and sadness at the death of Tony McGroary, Ballymacahill, Frosses over a wide area which occurred last week after a short illness.

Born in Dromard, Frosses in 1946, Tony was known far and wide because of his work with the P&T (later Telecom) and then with different FÁS schemes. His abilities were many, and his attention to detail saw him make great strides in his employment.

But he always had great time for young people, encouraging them to improve themselves, and to take opportunities when they arose.

Even when he took early retirement from Eircom in 1999, he was invited back and completed three more years working on important projects. During his time there he did clerk of works, mapping, surveying. There was nothing he couldn't put his hands to.

Then afterwards, working on FÁS Schemes, the same diligence was applied. What ever work was being done, it had to be done well, such as on graveyards and churches.

While christened James Anthony when he was born, he was known as Seamus in his school days in Frosses National School. Then when an aunt visited one time and called him Tony the name stuck.

Up until a few months ago, Tony McGroary was very active. The annual chore of cutting turf was completed during the summer and he was always available for family activity, looking after grandchildren. Wherever he was needed he turned up.

Possessed of a very sociable nature, Tony was full of fun and wit and able to hold a conversation with anyone he met. A very good family man, he encouraged a great interest in learning in his own children.

Farming was a very important hobby and he was always into improving ways of doing things. He was a man who was never idle and also a man who didn't need much sleep.

Among his great interests were the GAA, amateur drama, dancing and cards. He was a participant in many plays in Frosses and Ardaghey and his portrayal of The Bishop in John B  Keane's The Field is still remembered with great pride.

Tony is also remembered for his charity work with the Ardaghey Mummers, an extension of his love of drama. He could sing and do recitations and he was also well-known and widely sought as Santa, arriving at venues in helicopters and fancy cars.

On his many trips for dancing weekends, he could be found checking out local  historical sites and when they went overseas to places like Manchester and Glasgow, trips to Old Trafford and Parkhead were included. He just loved to explore different areas.

Tony was a talented footballer and played with St Naul's over a long period and was a member of the team that won the Donegal Junior Championship in 1972.

The other big pastime was cards and the McGroary house could have a couple of tables playing '25' at any time.

Tony's funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Frosses on Saturday with Fr James Sweeney, PP, as chief celebrant, assisted by Fr Morty, Ardaghey. Afterwards his remains were interred in the local cemetery.

The late Mr McGroary was predeceased by his son Seamus and is survived by his wife Margaret; sons Donall, Martin and John; daughter Caitriona; daughters-in-law, son-in-law and grandchildren; brothers Denis and Joe; sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephew, godchildren and a wide circle of family and friends.