Armidale. Rev. Father M. McGrath Farewelled at Armidale, Catholic Weekly, Sydney, 19 November 1942, p 16, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146501086:

So large was the attendance at the Cathedral Hall, Armidale, to farewell the Rev. Father M. McGrath, who has been transferred as assistant priest to Narrabri, after six years in a a similar capacity at Armidale, that extra seating accommodation had to be provided. In the absence of the Bishop of Armidale, (Most Rev. dr. Coleman), the Very Rev. Father M. Tully (Adm.), presided. He said that when Father McGrath had heard of a suggestion to give him a public farewell he had tried to prevent it; but the esteem in which he was held was so high that this could not be thought of.

The Rev. Father P. Condon, on behalf of the priests, said Father McGrath had been a true priest to his people, a kind friend and a great neighbour, strong, sincere, courageous and manly, and they were better for having known him. The Rev. Brother Benildus (Provincial) said Father McGrath had been chaplain to the De La Salle College for six years, and they had come to regard him as a splendid priest and a genuine friend. Mr. Walter Elliott spoke on behalf of East Armidale, Mr. A. McShane for West Armidale, Mr. L. Wright for the country, Mr. C. Nixon for North Armidale, and Mr. H. Fittler on behalf of the A.H.C. Guild.

Presenting Father McGrath with a wallet of notes on behalf of the parishioners, Mr. T. Crowley said the function was spontaneous and sincere, and was in keeping with the spirit of loyalty Armidale had always shown to its priests, which was well justified, as they had had some splendid men.

Father McGrath, speaking of the people of the city, said that if Armidale people were representative of those of Australia, they had reason to be proud of Australians.

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T.W. Campbell, The Priests of the Diocese of Armidale: A Necrology, Braddon ACT, 2005:
McGrath, Michael

One of five priests on loan to the diocese from an Irish diocese before World War II. The five men were John Grace, Michael McGrath, John Moran, Malachy Stephen and James Walsh. Details of date and place of birth of each man unknown. Details of education of each man unknown. Details of place of study, and date and place of ordination of each man unknown. They arrived in the Diocese to commence a five year appointment in 1939, shortly before the start of World War II. Because of the duration of the war they remained on duty in the diocese until 1946 when all returned home. Details of appointments within the diocese during the period 1939 to 1946 are not known. Date and place of death unknown. Place of burial unknown.
(Source: O'Connor)

(Reproduced by permission of Tom Campbell.)