Kilkenny man murdered in London to be buried in his native village

Sarah Slater

An elderly Kilkenny man who was murdered during an alleged robbery while he was walking to his home in London is to be buried in his native village at the end of this month.

John Mackey (87), originally from Mellowes Park in Callan, but who resided in Finsbury Park, London, will be brought back “home for a final time as he wished,” according to his funeral notice, which describes him as a “kind, gentle and charming” man.

He lived for several decades in London, having moved there in the 1950s.

Mr Mackey died in hospital two days after he was injured in the alleged incident, which occurred on Thursday, May 8th, along Goodchild Road in the Manor House district area of Hackney just before 6pm.

He had been walking home from the shops when he was allegedly attacked and his bag, containing groceries and a newspaper, was taken.

Peter Augustine (58) of Green Lanes, Hornsey, Haringey, was subsequently charged with Mr Mackey’s murder and alleged robbery and has been remanded in custody.

His funeral details have now been released and detail how Mr Mackey was in his “88th year and was taken from his family in tragic circumstances”.

Mr Mackey was predeceased by his brothers Paddy, Christy and Milo, his sisters Kitty, Mary and Ann and his nephews Tony and Brian.

“Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving family, his brothers Tommy and Liam, his sisters Betty and Ellen. Much loved uncle of 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,” his funeral details add.

“Remembered with love by his friends and neighbours in London. A kind, gentle and charming man. Brought home for a final time, to be buried here - as he wished.”

The Kilkenny native’s remains will repose at Molloy’s Funeral Home, Callan on Wednesday, June 25th June from 5pm, concluding with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 7pm.

Funeral prayers will take place on Thursday, June 26th, 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.

Following his death, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police said: "John was a proud Irishman and an innocent member of the public, and was walking back home after running errands when he was the victim of this tragic incident," said, who is leading the investigation.

"His family tell us he was one of 11 children. He was born in Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland and moved to London in the 1950s.

"He was uncle to a remarkable 22 nieces and nephews and a brother to his remaining four siblings; they will all miss him.”

The chief inspector added: ”John's family describe him as funny and charming. He was a lifelong Arsenal fan who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community.

"His family will join John on one final trip back to Ireland, where he'll be laid to rest.

"I would like to reassure the local community that a man has been charged and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with John's death."

Tributes continue to be paid on RIP.ie with one sympathiser saying that Mr Mackey was “one of life’s top individuals”.

The tribute noted: “When he would come home on holidays to Mill Street, he would always be a joy to meet. Always looked so well and loved chatting about Callan and Arsenal. You were a wonderful ambassador for the town of Callan”.