Paul McGrath thanks well wishers after loss of his mother and ‘best friend’ Betty

Paul McGrath has taken to Twitter to thank a number of people after the funeral of his mother Betty took place in Dublin on Monday.

Betty Lowth, the mother of legendary Ireland footballer Paul McGrath, passed away on Thursday, September 3 and the next day Paul took to Twitter to inform followers of his sad news. He wrote ‘Last night I lost my best friend.  My beautiful mum Betty passed away peacefully and today my heart is breaking.  I owe everything to her. Sleep well Mum,  love you. Paul x.’

Betty’s funeral took place on Monday and since then Paul has taken to the social media platform again with an extensive list of people he wished to thank. The former Aston Villa defender said that ‘After a tough few months I want to thank everyone who sent condolences after my beautiful Mum Betty passed away. I will forever be indebted to the staff in ICU at St James’ Hospital for the care, compassion an dignity they showed to my mum in the last few months of her life.’

He went on to say ‘to James and the staff of Masseys Funeral Home in Dolphins Barn for making a very tough time more bearable and to Fr Fergal for the lovely funeral mass for my Mum.’ 

The much-loved winner of the 1993 PFA Player of the Year Award continued: ‘To all my cousins thank you so much for your support over the few days, to my own children and their families, you all done me & Nana proud and I was so grateful to have you here with me. To my close friends Pat, Tracey, Ciaran and David thank you from the bottom of my heart.’

After a tough few months I want to thank everyone who sent condolences after my beautiful Mum Betty passed away. I will forever be indebted to the staff in ICU at St Jamses hospital for the care, compassions & dignity they showed to my mum in the last few months of her life 💔

— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) September 15, 2020

Finally, McGrath said: ‘Lastly to Caroline, Paula, Bernie, Ed , David, Clare & all the neighbours in Keeper road. The staff at Errigal surgery and chemist thank you all for your kindness and friendship to my mum over the years.’

Betty was a rock to Paul throughout his life and career, having initially been forced to flee to London to give birth to him before giving him up to foster care.

They reconnected in later life and Betty is sure to be sadly missed by Paul and his family. May she rest in peace.

(header pic: @Paulmcgrath5 on Twitter)