Spanish police investigate Waterford man’s death
The late Michael Grant, who died whilst holidaying in Magaluf on Monday last.
The Guardia Civil in Spain are investigating the death of well-known Waterford man Michael Grant (45), after he was found on Martin Ros Street, close to Punta Ballena in the town shortly before 4.30am on Monday last, July 1.
Although it was initially believed that the father of four from Pinewood Drive in Hillview had died after taking ill in the early hours of the morning, preliminary post-mortem results have indicated that he may have been hit by a car.
The autopsy has been completed but the results have not been released to the public yet.
The popular local physiotherapist, who was a member of the St. Joseph’s Football Club and Mount Sion GAA Club, had travelled with a group to the Spanish island of Majorca over the course of last weekend and was found by a security guard after he appeared to collapse as he crossed the road in the area.
Although CPR was administered to the son of Michael and Marie Grant at the scene, he was pronounced dead at the scene of the tragic incident.
The news has sent shockwaves throughout Waterford city and county, where his family and many friends continue to process the events of Monday last.
Many tributes have been paid to Michael, who was the physio of the Waterford Senior hurling team under Derek McGrath back in 2017, where the community at large have described him as a “man who would do anything for anyone” and “thrive to do the best he could do for others”.
In a statement issued by Mount Sion GAA club, they described him as “selfless” and a man that “gave of himself without condition”.
“A darkness has descended on our club and our community. When word filtered through, that “Granter” was gone, our collective hearts shattered into a million pieces,” said the club statement.
“Michael was selfless. He gave of himself without condition - how he managed to be omnipresent in his beloved St Joseph’s AFC and Mount Sion remains a mystery.
"But give of himself he did, in the kindest, most considerate and most caring way to every child who kicked or struck a ball under his watch in those two clubs!”
The Marian Park club remembered him for his dedication.
“He was an example to us all - going back to education to carve out a professional career that saw him dedicate his working day to a passion born of helping people - for that was his default setting.
"Granter helped people. That was where he found his joy.
“We were privileged to get to see this at close quarters - the more children in our club needed him, the harder he worked, the more enthused he became and the more determined he was to scaffold their future.
“Michael Grant was a brilliant coach. Because he had that trait of character no course can bestow - he treated every child as he would his own and that care and sincerity of interest endeared him to child and adult alike.
“His impact on those under his coaching care may not be obvious now - but it will manifest itself as the years progress when, as those boys grow, they will epitomise the traits of loyalty, friendship, honesty, respect and effort, traits, which were the cornerstones of his coaching philosophy.”
The club added that they will continue to support Michael’s family at this sad time.
“He was as incredible a community volunteer as we have seen and he epitomised all that was good about coming together for collective goals. His infectious energy lifted us all at some point and oh how we will miss that so, so much.
“We will be there for Leanne and the lads and all Michael’s family as they travel the road ahead. Your loss is immense but we trust that the care that he gave will come back to you all.
"We can simply say that we will do whatever we can to support you through your grief and sadness at the passing of your husband, son, brother and father and one of the leading lights of our club.
“No words of ours will ease the sense of loss Michael’s family feel at this time. But we wish it to be known that Michael Grant has left us all, better for having known him, wiser for having listened to him, happier for having laughed with him and kinder for having been cared for by him.”
It remains unclear at this point when Michael’s body will make its return journey to Waterford for his funeral where communities across the city and county will remember a man that worked tirelessly for the betterment of others.
