Stalwart of Ballinrobe community laid to rest

SADLY MISSED Robbie O’Grady fishing on Lough Mask in 1977.

Stalwart of Ballinrobe community laid to rest


Ciara Galvin

THE community of Ballinrobe, along with members of the local, national and international fishing community, said a fond farewell to Robert (Robbie) O’Grady (84) recently.
Mr O’Grady, President of the World Cup Trout Fly Angling Association, passed away suddenly on November 20.
Mr O’Grady, described as a ‘true stalwart’ by one of his closest friends, was one of Ballinrobe’s most well-known personalities, The large attendance at his funeral Mass in St Mary’s Church underscored his stature in the community.
He and his wife, Nan, operated a guesthouse on the Castlebar Road, where they had previously run a bicycle sales and repair shop.
However, he was probably best known for his prowess as an angler. He was one of just four fishermen to win the World Cup Trout Fly Angling Championship twice. He was successful in the prestigious competition in 1964 and in 1976, while also ‘placing’ in the competition many times.
Mr O’Grady held every position in the angling club since joining the Ballinrobe committee in 1965, and he was president of the organisation at the time of his passing.
“Anyone who knew Robbie would have been very fond of him,” friend and fellow angler Denis Kelleher told The Mayo News. “He was an excellent angler in his time. We have lost a true stalwart of the club and community.”
Mr Kelleher recalled that Robbie O’Grady was famous for his singing, and could often be heard on Lough Mask ‘if the fishing was quiet’ singing ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’. He was also a long-time fan of Frank Sinatra.
Mr O’Grady also worked tirelessly to promote local tourism, and he supported initiatives to help improve Ballinrobe. He attended a meeting last month to discuss proposed plans for a new Town Hall.
He was also an active member of Ballinrobe Musical Society for many years. He played Bridge every week up until his passing.
A guard of honour was formed at Mr O’Grady’s funeral Mass by members of the local and national angling community, as well as the local bridge club.
Mr O’Grady will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Nan; sons, Robert and Kenneth; daughters, Marian, Bernardine, Kathleen and Vivienne; sons-in-law and daughter-in-law; grandchildren; extended family and large circle of friends.