Kind Irish gentleman killed in London to be brought ‘back home to Callan as he wished'
Mr Mackey died in hospital two days after he was attacked, having gone out to get the newspaper and buy groceries in his local shop
A kind Irish 'gentleman' who was killed while walking home in London is to be brought 'back home in Callan as he wished'.
The body of 87-year-old John Mackey will be returned to Kilkenny for burial following his death in the horrific incident last month.
Mr Mackey died in hospital two days after he was attacked, having gone out to get the newspaper and buy some groceries in his local shop.
He was left with multiple injuries, including broken ribs and a bleed to his brain. A man has been charged in relation to the fatal incident.
Investigating police said Mr Mackey was an innocent member of the public and was walking back home after running errands when he was attacked
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said John's family will join him 'on one final trip back to Ireland where he'll be laid to rest'.
On his RIP.ie notice it states that the death has occurred of John Mackey of Finsbury Park, London and formerly of Mellow's Park, Callan, Co Kilkenny.
John Mackey
News in 90 Seconds - June 18th
'In his 88th year, taken from his family in tragic circumstances, in London on Thursday, May 8, 2025.'
It adds that John is pre-deceased 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.
'Remembered with love by his friends and neighbours in London. A kind, gentle and charming man.'
John will be reposing at Molloy's Funeral Home, Callan on Wednesday, June 25, from 5pm concluding with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 7pm.
Funeral Prayers on Thursday, June 26 at 10.15am will be followed by removal to The Church of the Assumption, Callan for Requiem Mass at 11am.
Burial will follow afterwards in Kilbride Cemetery, 'back home in Callan as he wished'.
People have left numerous messages in the condolences section including one that reads: 'Sorry to hear this man was fatally attacked, he sounds like he was one of life's true gentlemen.
'I pray he rests in peace and for solace for his family and friends. I said a prayer for him today in Mullingar cathedral.'
Another adds: 'I didn't know John but was so saddened to hear of his tragic passing on the news this evening. Heartbreaking.'
Another offered: 'Deepest sympathy to the Mackey family on the death of John. May his Gentle Soul Rest in Peace.'
One mourner said they had 'played football with him in our school days' and 'worked on the farm here in Mallardstown. A lovely family, I knew them all. May John rest in peace with his God.'
Although John had moved to London he remained a proud Irishman all his life, and was described as funny and charming, adored by his family and loved by his local community.
One of 11 children, Mr Mackey was an uncle to 21 nieces and nephews.
A lifelong Arsenal supporter, neighbours remembered how he had worked as an engineer and always kept busy.
Peter Augustine, 58, was arrested on 8 May in Green Lanes, Hornsey, and charged the next day with murdering Mr Mackey.
Augustine was also charged with robbing the pensioner of his duffel bag containing a box of cornflakes, a shepherd's pie and a newspaper.
He appeared at the Old Bailey and was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on 29 July while his trial was fixed for November 3.
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