An Irish pensioner who was allegedly murdered in London while getting his groceries was described as a charming and mischievous man who will be 鈥渕issed forever鈥 at his funeral mass on Thursday.
John Mackey, 87, was running errands on May 6 when he was attacked near Goodchild road in the capital. Originally from Callan, Co Kilkenny, Mr Mackey received horrific head injuries from the attack and sadly died in hospital two days later.
A man was charged with the pensioner鈥檚 murder and robbery and will appear before court for a plea hearing on July 29. Mourners filled the Church of the Assumption in Callan at 11am yesterday to pay their respects to the much-loved Arsenal fan.
His niece Pat held back tears as she gave a heartfelt tribute to her adored uncle. Mr Mackey never married or had children, but was loved by his 10 siblings and 22 nieces and nephews.
Pat said: 鈥淥ur uncle John was the perfect uncle. Funny, charming, mysterious and mischievous. He always had a twinkle in his eye, he was always either doing a bit of business or seeing a man about a dog.
鈥淲e all remember his immaculate appearance and he was always smelling of lovely aftershave. He was a real ladies man, many tried to get him to the aisle and failed.
鈥淲e all remember such happy times and we are truly blessed to be part of this family, he was a one off and we were so lucky to have him as our uncle John, we will miss him forever.鈥
The pensioner鈥檚 sister, Betty, said her brother was a well-known figure in Callan, as he worked at the local post office. At 19, he moved to London after a very difficult childhood, which saw him and his 10 siblings lose both their parents.
He lived in London for the rest of his life and worked for a pharmaceutical company. Parish Priest Fr Willie Dalton said he had a happy life there and integrated well into the community.
Paying tribute to the Callan man, Fr Dalton said: 鈥淗e was part of that life and that culture and made many friends through his belonging in the Irish community and making friends with the locals. As we look back we thank the lord for the long and happy life John lived, and he always looked so well in the photographers.
“He dressed well and took his place in that culture. Today as we say farewell to him we all have our own memories of him. His love for dressing well and his love for football, and the love for his faith.
鈥淭hose memories that we cherish that are etched into our memories and that we can never eradicate have become part of us. He will remain there. He creates an emptiness and void in our life but leaves something very special behind.鈥
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