Neily McGroarty: ‘the wee man with the big heart and the broadest of smiles”

“There was a presence in Drumbeigh that will be sorely missed; maybe small in size but large in personality.”

Those words of Very Rev Eamonn Kelly summed up the sentiment of mourners gathered in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Frosses for the Funeral Mass of Neily McGroarty on Friday morning.

Late of Drumbeigh, Mountcharles, the popular businessman died peacefully in the Mater Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday. He will be remembered by many for his work in installing televisions and aerials, always with a smile and time for a chat and a cup of tea. 

Fr Kelly said: “Even though Neily was 85, he had a lovely young personality”

The priest extended sympathy to the extended McGroarty and Kelly family, particularly his wife Kathleen, his children Neil, Eileen, Andrew, Clement, Marie, their partners, and Neily’s beloved grandchildren Aaron, Ryan, Niall, Shaunagh, Niamh, Aine, Jack, Eoin, Senan, Conor and Tom, and his brothers Leo and Ned. Fr Kelly asked those present to ‘remember in a special way’ Neily’s late son Bernard. 

Fr Kelly welcomed concelebrants Fr James Sweeney and Fr Rory Brady, as well as mourners present in the church and online.

“Your presence is a great support for Kathleen and the McGroarty family as they experience your kindness and care on this heartbreaking day,” he said. 

“Neily too would have thanked you, for he was truly a people person and loved to engage in conversation with one and all.

“By taking time out of your particular schedule, you have expressed love for the wee man with the big heart and the broadest of smiles.”

Work Ethic

Fr Kelly told mourners that Neily had been born and raised in the townland of Keelogs and had a great worth ethic from an early age. 

He worked for Donegal Council, driving a tar lorry and operating machinery.

Though very happy in his work, he enjoyed learning new skills and taking on new challenges, from repairing televisions to opening a tv and electrical shop first in Frosses and then in Donegal Town.

Fr Kelly said that even in retirement Neily was always busy, be it mowing the lawn, cutting trees, tidying, repairing something for someone, going somewhere or other, or being involved in the care of his grandchildren. 

“You would be knackered after a visit to his house, and you were only listening to half of what he was at!” said the celebrant.

“But then when you got to share a cup of tea with him, you would be motivated to live more by his warmth of character and listening ear that was genuinely interested in how you are rather than just what are you doing.”

Fr Kelly fondly recalled Neily’s infectious enthusiasm, positivity and ‘never will I be beaten attitude.’

Diamond Jubilee

The celebrant raised smiles from mourners when he reminded them how Neily, in his early twenties, began to ‘hang around’ Kelly’s shop in Upper Main Street, Frosses. The attraction was the young Kathleen Kelly behind the counter, and she went on to become Neily’s wife of 60 years.

“Only last Saturday week they celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of their wedding,” said Fr Kelly.

As part of the celebration, the couple renewed their wedding day commitment to each other. 

An Inspirational Father

Neily’s son Neil delivered a moving eulogy in which he spoke about his father’s work ethic and skill.

He described Neily’s problem solving skills as ‘remarkable,’ adding: “He could tackle anything and figure out a solution.”

Before the days of broadband or even satellite, getting television signals to a house among the mountains of Donegal was a challenge. But it was one in which Neily excelled.

Neil said: “He had many talents and one of them was hunting tv signals. Up and down the county, he climbed trees and mountains looking for that elusive BBC and UTV.

“He even got a signal for Gay Byrne’s holiday home in Gaoth Dobhair.”

Neil spoke about the strong work ethic which his father had instilled in his children, about how he reminded them of the importance of doing things right.

He said there wasn’t a day went by in the shop without someone asking about Neily and sharing a story about something he had done for them, such was his impact in the community.

“Dad,” said Neil, “It is hard to say goodbye but you have inspired us throughout our lives, and Dad, we will continue to be inspired by you.”

Neil thanked those who had been involved in his father’s care over the years, including the ambulance and helicopter crews who he described as ‘a great bunch of people.”

Following the Funeral Mass, Neily was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.