Bishop Harold and Dean Hull pay tribute to Eddie McGrady, Former South Down MP and NI Assembly Member
The Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore and the Dean of Down, The Very Revd Henry Hull, have paid tribute to the former SDLP MP for South Down Eddie McGrady who has died at the age of 78.
“Eddie McGrady was, quite simply one of the nicest people You could ever meet,” said Bishop Harold. “His life was spent in the cause of peace and mutual understanding in Northern Ireland. He was also a man of faith, committed to understanding across the churches.
“St Patrick’s Day in Down Cathedral will not be the same without him,” he continued, “and my last and treasured memory was praying with him during his illness in that most special of all places: his beloved Saul.”
Dean Hull said:
“It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the death of Eddie McGrady yesterday. Eddie was a great friend and supporter of the Church of Ireland in Downpatrick and South Down. He was a model of tireless Christian service in the community and an outstanding example of political leadership working across the whole community for the greater good of all.
“My first encounter of Eddie, within a few days of arriving in Lecale, was as we organised a cross–community vigil following the 9/11 attacks. Following that we cooperated closely in promoting the Christian Heritage of this locality through the St Patrick’s Centre and the St Patrick’s Signature Project.
“His passing will be deeply felt by the whole community and our thoughts and prayers are for his family and all who will miss his friendship.”