The death occurred at his residence of Paddy Grant, Smithstown, Mullinavat on May 4. Paddy was born in Knockmoylan on October 31, 1931 to parents Richard and Mary (née Darmody) Grant, Knockmoylan. The Grant family had been associated with that townsland for generations ; they were farmers who took a keen interest in the life of the area.
His mother Mary Darmody was from Crowbally, another family of long association and standing in the area. Paddy lived a very long and active life. Growing up in a farming family, he learned the old traits of farming life, of the interaction of the community of people that lived there, the different areas of work that one had to do from milking cows to look after animals, ploughing, sowing, reaping and keeping the cogs of machinery in working order.
Workshop Paddy Grant went to Castlegannon’s two teacher school. After that he was like all young lads on their own, learning from others. Seeing tractors take over he learned about them and excelled; Paddy’s 1945 Fordson Tractor took him to many vintage events in the area and in the South-East.
He learned to repair machinery and make parts in his extensive workshop. He learned to do electrical work and was a great man about water pumps. Together with his late wife Maura - they were married in 1964 - the couple enjoyed a great long life together.
They travelled widely around Ireland and, with their son Richard, saw most of Ireland with their camper trailer. Paddy loved areas like Killarney, May.
