Family of Irish dad who died in Magaluf issue emotional plea for kids’ future

CLOSE to €70,000 has been raised for the family of Waterford physiotherapist Michael Grant who died suddenly while on holiday in Magaluf earlier this month.

Hundreds of people gathered in the Holy Family Church in Waterford last Saturday to pay their respects to the popular father-of-four who did a huge amount of voluntary coaching with area sports clubs.

The 45-year-old of Pinewood Avenue, Hillview in Waterford died of cardiac arrest while on a family trip to Spain.

Poignantly, at his funeral his wife Leanne said that they went to the country an intact family and came home a “family of five.”

Leanne told mourners that she had spent close to a quarter of a century with Michael prior to his premature and unexpected passing.

She said that it sounded like “a lifetime” but was just “a blink of the eye.”

She described Michael as having been an exceptional father and husband who did “everything for his family” with the exception of DIY, joking that it was never his greatest strength.

Leanne said that Michael loved his family, his job, and helping others.

She said “He went around with his diary in one hand and his phone in the other.

“If he wasn’t taking appointments he was listening to long winded messages (from his friends) or sending long winded messages (to them).

“His favourite place was at the sideline of a hurling or football pitch either coaching or supporting not only our children but the other kids.

“His voice could be heard a mile away. We will miss that voice from the sidelines.

“I know he will be on every sideline not in body but in spirit and I will be his voice cheering on the kids on just obviously not as loud as he was.”

Michael is survived by his wife Leanne, his children Kayleigh, Niamh, Shay and and Sofia, his parents Sam and Marie, his brothers and sisters and extended family.

His burial followed his funeral Mass at Kilbarry cemetery.

‘A MEETING HE NEVER GOT TO ATTEND’

His sister Deborah has set up a GoFundMe page for his family as Michael had recently let his life insurance policy lapse.

He had an appointment in relation to starting a new policy on July 18th.

Deborah said: “Although we know that tomorrow isn’t promised, we never expected Michael not to return home with his family.

“Unfortunately, neither did Michael, and had put on the long finger, like many of us, plans to provide for a future for his family. Michael unfortunately had left his life insurance policy lapse recently.

“We found he had a note in his diary to finalise securing his familys future for the 18th July with his bank., a meeting he never got to attend.

“If you wish to contribute anything, however big or small, to the future of Michael’s children and wife, we would be forever grateful.”

She added: “Many thanks for your support, forever loved and missed, a loving husband, dad, son, brother, brother-in-law, friend, cousin, nephew, neighbour, physio, mentor, coach, counsellor and of course a lovable rogue!”

Paying tribute to her bro, Deborah told how he was a renowned physiotherapist who took pride in his work and “put his heart and soul” into coaching.

She said: “Michael was renowned as a brilliant physiotherapist where he treated and cared for many clients, from cranial therapy for newborn babies to physio treatment to everyone beyond.

“He treated many, not only from Waterford but from all around the country in their recovery.

Michael worked ethically while providing excellent care often without charging fees. He gave his time willingly, always available to offer advice any time of the day or night.

“Aside from Michaels family and professional life, he worked tirelessly for the kids in Mount Sion GAA and St Jospehs FC, where he played himself for many years.

“Seven days a week, when not with his family, Michaels favourite place was on the pitch whether it be coaching, playing or supporting.

“Michael’s legacy is the founding of St Josephs Academy where he put his heart and soul into coaching and encouraging kids in the spirit of inclusion and fun.”

She added: “We miss you so much already, rest easy Michael, until we meet again.”