Downpatrick And Co Down Railway Pays Tribute to Eddie McGrady

Eddie McGrady, third left, on the platform at Downpatrick rainway station.[/caption] Gerry said: “DCDR, on learning about the death of their former firend and mentor, were svery saddened. It was Eddie McGrady that we turned to for advice and support with xa0regards to thexa0idea of establishing a heritage railway in the town. “I first met Eddie in 1982 when he agreed to meet me toxa0discuss my proposals for the restoration of Downpatrick and Co. Downxa0Railway. At that time he was Chairman of Down District Council and hisxa0reaction to the proposal would, therefore, be essential. “In the event, his enthusiasm surprised me and from that day hisxa0encouragement was instrumental in getting the project off the ground.xa0Indeed, throughout the development he was always ready toxa0help on the numerous occasions when difficulties arose and in the earlyxa0days; as a chartered accountant he acted as our auditor in a voluntaryxa0capacity when we were struggling to establish a sound financial footing inxa0those fledgling days. “His contribution to the success of our railway cannotxa0be overstated and he will be sadly missed by all of us who have had the honour of his acquaintance.” Gerry’s views were echoed by fellow founder and DCDR vice-president, Mr. WFxa0Gillespie, who said: “Eddie was at the very first meeting with Gerry and I toxa0discuss getting the railway off the ground. xa0He was a great help to us inxa0the early stages, especially in establishing our relationship with thexa0Council. “In some of my other activities I also had reason to contactxa0Eddie and I always found him to be a real gentlemen giving freely of hisxa0time to address the issues brought to him. xa0A man who will be sadly missedxa0by all who were privileged to know him.” DCDR chairman, John Wilson saying added his tribute: “Whilst the Downpatrick andxa0Co. Down Railway has always been apolitical in its ethos and outlook, itxa0is fair to say that without Eddie McGrady’s vital support at the inceptionxa0of the project, there would be no railway in the town today. Eddiexa0remained a friend of the DCDR throughout the years, and we deeply regret that he will not see our 30th Anniversary in 2015.”]]>