Judge Elizabeth MacGrath laid to rest in Tipperary

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath Stanley-Smith was laid to rest in Dromineer on Monday. 

Requiem Mass was held at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh. The service was led by Fr Pat Gilbert, who described

Judge MacGrath as a “woman of profound integrity, unwavering dedication and a compassionate justice.”

“Elizabeth was more than a judge. She was a beacon of fairness and a pillar of strength in our community.

“Her commitment to justice was not merely a profession but a calling, a reflection of her deep-seated belief in the dignity and worth of every individual. 

“Through her many years on the bench, she exhibited wisdom, patience and an unyielding pursuit of the truth.

“Her decisions were always rendered with a blend of intellect and empathy, ensuring the law was a force for good and a protector of the vulnerable,” said Fr Gilbert. 

Members of Judge MacGrath’s family led readings and prayers.

Fr Gilbert extended his “deepest condolences” to them and her husband Charles. 

“Your loss is immeasurable, but please find solace in knowing how profoundly Elizabeth influenced our community, our parish and the world around her,” said Fr Gilbert.  

Judge MacGrath’s husband Charles, paid tribute to his wife and thanked everyone who had paid their respects following her passing. 

Charles described how they met, and said though he had never known her father Michael, he saw Judge MacGrath’s “courage and straightforwardness” in her mother. 

Charles told those gathered that Judge Macgrath was a fourth child born 20 minutes after her twin Anne.

She studied law at UCD before joining her family’s firm in 1983. 

Judge MacGrath later set up her own firm with her own approach to the law. 

“She had a deep understanding of how people lived, or how they were forced to live,” said Charles. 

They met when he returned to Ireland and married in 1988.

Charles spoke of his wife’s interest in politics and her role in the Progressive Democrats, and her work on the council that helped restore the church they now gathered to bid her farewell. 

He said “she supported him in his endeavours, and he supported her in her incredible career.”

Charles read allowed some of the tributes he had received from Judge MacGrath’s colleagues.

One restorative justice solicitor said:

“I am certain we have lost someone very special in Judge MacGrath.”

Charles thanked those who cared for his wife in her final days, her colleagues and the court staff, as well as her many friends.

“Elizabeth was kind and generous with a ferocious intellect. That is why I loved her, and that is why I am proud to be her husband,” said Charles. 

Following the service, Judge Elizabeth MacGrath was buried in the Dromineer Graveyard. 

BEYOND THE SERVICE

On Monday, Tipperary County Council was adjourned to allow those present to attend the service.

Last week, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee paid tribute to the late District Court judge.

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the untimely death of Judge Elizabeth MacGrath, who has given dedicated service to the State since first appointed to the bench in 2007.

“From 2012, she has served as District Judge in Tipperary, and I know she will be hugely missed by everyone who had the privilege to know her.

“I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to her husband, family and friends on their loss.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,” said Minister McEntee. 

Tipperary Labour TD Alan Kelly also extended his sympathies.

“Judge Elizabeth McGrath made a huge contribution to life in Tipperary and further afield. She was extremely knowledgeable in her role as local district judge.

“Furthermore, she is very reasonable to deal with and always helpful.

“Liz was respected across society for her hard work and fairness in how she dealt with issues.

“She will be hugely missed by her husband Charles and her extended family and many friends.

“My condolences to them all.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,” said Mr Kelly.