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 RIP.ie. '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.
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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 RIP.ie.
'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.
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