Latest news with #Mackey
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
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 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.
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
'A real gentleman' - Irish man killed in London remembered
The family of an 87-year-old Irish man who died after he was attacked while walking home in north London last month have described him as a "real gentleman". John Mackey had been running errands on the afternoon of 6 May when he was set upon near Goodchild Road. He had just been to his local supermarket and kebab shop. The pensioner sustained head injuries and died in hospital two days later. A man was arrested and charged with Mr Mackey's murder and robbery. He is due to appear in court again for a plea hearing on 29 July. Mr Mackey, originally from Callan in Co Kilkenny, had been living in London since the age of 19. "Ultimately, he was just a charming, simple man, a real gentleman," his niece Margaret Kennedy recalled. In her sitting room, alongside her brother Adrian, she sifted through several photos they recently found of their beloved uncle. "We found these pictures and it's uncle John surrounded by women and it really gave us a kick because, in his early life, it really showed what a charmer he was," she said with a smile. Mr Mackey was a devoted Arsenal fan and a proud Irish man. He was one of 11 siblings, four of whom are still alive, and he is also survived by his 22 nieces and nephews. His nephew Adrian Kennedy said John was an "intrinsic" part of the local community in Finsbury Park and well known in Irish circles. Mr Mackey had long become known for his signature fedora hat and 'man about town' persona. "He was a bit of an enigma because even up until recently we were never quite sure whether uncle John was plain old 'Uncle John' or whether he was a millionaire," Adrian joked. Almost six weeks on since his death, the family say they are still in a state of shock over what happened to their uncle. Mr Kennedy said his uncle was in "good form" on the day of the alleged attack. "He spoke to his sister Betty in Australia at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and she said that he was in great form. He said that he was going to go out and get himself a bit of dinner and a few bits at the Co-Op. "He went out, bought himself a few provisions, cornflakes, a Sheppard's pie. He stopped and got himself a sausage and chips on the way home from the kebab shop and 5.22pm in the evening he was attacked literally in sight of his front door," Mr Kennedy said. Ms Kennedy said it is hard to come to terms with what happened because he was just an "old 87-year-old man". "It was utter shock, that it could happen to him," she says. The family say they have been taken aback by the warm words and tributes from all who knew him. They were also sent a card and flowers from Arsenal Football Club. "We were overwhelmed actually, we thought it was so lovely that Arsenal Football Club sent the family some flowers and a lovely card, which was unnecessary, but lovely. It meant a lot to us all actually," she said. John Mackey will be laid to rest in his native Callan, Co Kilkenny, on Thursday 26 June following requiem mass at the Church of the Assumption. His coffin will be adorned with the Arsenal flag and his signature hat will sit above it as his family get their final opportunity to say goodbye to the uncle who leaves behind so many fond memories for them. The family say they would like him to be remembered for the life he lived. "We're all still in shock because uncle John was a constant, he was always just there. We knew if we went to London we would always nip on the tube up to Archway to see him," Ms Kennedy explained. Her brother Adrian said that it's the "way he died" that's hard to come to terms with. "Nothing is forever, we all die, but it's how it happened. It's just left this general air of disbelief, shock, and this incredibly deep sorrow," he said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama leaders react to proposed cuts at Dept. of Education
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said they are watching for any budget changes at the Department of Education. President Donald Trump's proposed education budget could result in cuts to some state programs. 'The changes are concerning on different levels,' said Dr. Corey Jones, Superintendent of Greene County Schools. Dr. Jones explained that those concerns have to do with federal education cuts. With less than 900 students in his school system, he said funding matters. 'You start looking at eliminating resources that will help any student assimilate and learn into our culture, you're not benefitting that student or their family,' said Dr. Jones. President Trump's proposal includes a $12 billion cut in education funding compared to last year's budget. Dr. Mackey said that would eliminate federal funding for English Language Learners (ELL). 'Again, if the federal funds were to go away. we would lose ground,' said Dr. Mackey. 'Because we would just be using state money to plug a federal hole. But, right now, it doesn't look like Congress is probably gonna do that.' Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announces changes for CDL holders State Education Budget Chairman, Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), said it's premature to be concerned. He said the state budget is in great shape. 'Our federal government has a $37 trillion operating deficit that is extensive,' said Sen. Orr. 'It's massive. And cuts are gonna have to happen somewhere.' But Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) said that funding is critical. 'Yes, the state should prepare for the worst-case situation. But members of Congress, especially those in the Alabama delegation, should do the right thing and support the U.S. Department of Education,' Rep. Ensler said. Dr. Mackey said they are watching the proposal closely. 'Congress is a kind of slow moving, large body,' he explained. 'And we think that when it's all said and done, we're probably gonna be looking at level funding. So, level funding in an age of inflation is not the best, but it's certainly better than cuts.' Dr. Mackey said the state is at record levels of support for English Language Learners when it comes to state funds. He said the state only relied on federal dollars for those programs five years ago. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Kilkenny pensioner murdered in London to be buried in Callan – ‘He was a wonderful ambassador for the town'
John Mackey, 87, had been to the supermarket and a kebab shop in Manor House, north London, on the afternoon of May 6 before he was allegedly set upon near Goodchild Road. The pensioner suffered head injuries and died in hospital two days later. Mr Mackey, who lived in Finsbury Park in London, but was originally from Mellow's Park in Callan, Co Kilkenny, wished to be returned to his home town of Callan to be buried. His final wish will be fulfilled by his family as he will be laid to rest on June 26 in Kilbride Cemetery in Callan. Mr Mackey, who moved to London in the 1950s, has been remembered as a 'wonderful ambassador for the town of Callan'. "Condolences to the Mackey family on the passing of John,' wrote a mourner on 'To all relations and friends, John was one of life's top individuals. "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.' 'It was with great sorrow that we heard of John's tragic passing,' added another mourner. 'Such a good loving and kind gentleman. We missed you and will miss you. 'Rest in peace dear friend.' Mr Mackey's remains will repose at Molloy's Funeral Home in Callan on Wednesday, June 25 from 5pm,concluding with rosary and vigil prayers at 7pm. Funeral prayers will take place on Thursday, June 26 at 10.15am, followed by removal to The Church of the Assumption, Callan, arriving for requiem mass at 11am. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Burial will follow afterwards in Kilbride Cemetery in Callan. 'John Mackey, Finsbury Park, London and formerly of Mellow's Park, Callan, Co Kilkenny,' read his death notice on 'In his 88th year, taken from his family in tragic circumstances, in London on Thursday, May 8 2025. '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.' Following Mr Mackey's sudden and tragic death, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, gave details of the 'adored' uncle's life. He 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. 'His family tell us he was one of 11 children. He was born in Callan, County 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. 'John's family describe him as funny and charming. He was a life-long 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.' Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, north London, was arrested on May 8 and charged with Mr Mackey's murder and robbery.
Irish Post
11-06-2025
- Irish Post
Irishman murdered in London to be laid to rest in native Co. Kilkenny
AN IRISHMAN who was murdered in London last month is to be laid to rest in his native Co. Kilkenny in accordance with his wishes. John Mackey, 87, who lived in Finsbury Park, died in hospital on Thursday, May 8, two days after an alleged robbery in Goodchild Road in the Manor House district of Hackney. A statement from police described the Callan native as a 'proud Irishman' and said his family would join him 'on one final trip back to Ireland where he'll be laid to rest'. A funeral notice on has now confirmed that Mr Mackey's funeral will take place in his home town in two weeks' time. The Requiem Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption in Callan on Thursday, June 26, followed by burial in Kilbride Cemetery. "Remembered with love by his friends and neighbours in London," read the notice. "A kind, gentle and charming man." It added: "Back home in Callan as he wished." Mr Mackey, one of 11 children, moved to London in the 1950s and is survived by four siblings. Following the Irishman's death, 58-year-old Peter Augustine, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, Haringey was charged with murder and robbery and remanded in custody.
