Kilkenny man killed in London to be buried back home - 'where he wished'

A Kilkenny man who died following a robbery in London is to be brought home for a final time, to be buried here - as he wished.

John Mackey (88) was originally from Mellowes Park in Callan and it is to Callan he will be brought for his funeral, later this  month. "Back home in Callan as he wished."

Mr Mackey passed away in hospital two days after he was injured in a robbery, on Thursday, May 8. He had been walking home from the shops when he was attacked and his bag, containing groceries and a newspaper, was taken.

A man has appeared before a judge at the Old Bailey in London charged with the murder of Mr Mackey.

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Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation into his death, described Mr Mackey as  funny and charming, adored by his family and loved by his local community.

One of 11 children, Mr Mackey left Callan for London in the 1950s and settled in the Finsbury Park area. Always a proud Irishman, he was also a lifelong Arsenal supporter and uncle to 22 nieces and nephews.

Mr Mackey is survived by his brothers Tommy and Liam and his sisters Betty and Ellen; nephews and nieces Steven, Pat, Mags, Adrian, Majella, Gareth, Michelle, Lisa, Katy, Gary, Noel, Trudy, Sheila, Dorothy, David, Alan, Lorraine, Breda, Kim, Sharon and their families; his friend and brother-in-law Bill Noone. He will also be remembered with love by his friends and neighbours in London as a kind, gentle and charming man.

Funeral details

Reposing at Molloy’s Funeral Home, Callan (Eircode R95 Y443) on Wednesday, June 25, from 5pm concluding with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 7pm. Funeral Prayers on Thursday,  June 26, at 10.15am followed by removal to The Church of the Assumption, Callan arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial will follow afterwards in Kilbride Cemetery, Callan. The Requiem Mass may be viewed live on the following link; churchmedia.ie (Callan Parish).