Mgr Domnick Grealy: In the public eye, the name of Mgr Domnick Grealy, former parish of Knock and vicar general of the Archdiocese of Tuam, who died aged 78 this week, is probably most associated with the development of Knock International Airport, which has recently been renamed Ireland West Airport.
However, he probably left a more indelible mark as a sincere, caring and soft-spoken pastor deeply devoted to the spiritual care of his flock.
Mgr Grealy was appointed parish priest of Knock in 1986 following the sudden death of Mgr James Horan.
It was a busy ministry made even more difficult and challenging by the fact that the post required the incumbent PP to act as chairman of the airport board.
With the removal of Mgr Horan - a renowned fundraiser - from the scene, it was a difficult time for the fledgling, cash-strapped airport.
Frictions and tensions began to emerge as to how the facility might be best promoted and developed in keeping with the ideals of its charismatic founder.
Mgr Grealy would have been the first to admit that big business wasn't his forte, but he took to the task with his usual sincerity and dedication.
In a statement to mark his passing this week, diocesan authorities in Tuam described him as "a tireless and talented organiser" and "a calming influence on the board of Knock airport at a critical time in its development".
Mgr Grealy, a native of Tooreen, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, was ordained to the priesthood at Maynooth in June 1952.
He contributed enormously to the life of the church in all areas in which he served, particularly at Knock Shrine.
Apart from his work for Knock airport, Mgr Grealy's greatest achievements are the completion of the confessional chapel in Knock; the new shrine chapel and the remarkably successful Knock House Hotel.
After his ordination, Mgr Grealy served as a chaplain to the now closed Franciscan monastery at Errew, Castlebar.
In later years he served as a curate in Ballinlough, Co Roscommon; the Aran Islands, Westport and Tuam.
He was appointed parish priest of Knock in 1986 and promoted to the rank of monsignor a year later.
In 1988 he was made vicar-general of the archdiocese of Tuam.
He retired in 2002, continuing to live in Knock.
Mgr Grealy came from a family that included a long line of clergy.
His three granduncles were priests. An early love of Gaelic games convinced him of the value of teamwork, and those who worked with him as a football mentor still speak warmly of his contribution and skill.
Mgr Grealy was a man of great athletic ability in his youth, and his contemporaries in Maynooth relate how year after year he won the 440 yards.
He was a great supporter of the Mayo football team and attended all their recent matches in Croke Park.
At the funeral Mass in Knock Shrine, the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary, mourned the loss of a devout, unpretentious, authentic and sincere man.
Dr Neary expressed sympathy with the family of Mgr Neary: his brother, James; sisters-in-law, Mary and Kathleen, nieces and nephews, Séamus and Mary Walsh and family, Westport, and his devoted housekeepers, Winnie, Della and Kate.
Mgr Domnick Grealy: born March 9th , 1927; died, December 19th, 2005