A memorial service was held honouring Paul McGlade, a successful entrepreneur and Belfast native, who passed away at the age of 69 following a brief sickness. McGlade established a number of enterprises during his over 50-year long career, including Thérapie Clinics, Champion Sports and Optilase. He is perhaps best remembered as a man of unyielding positivity, with an aptitude for cultivating success in the business world as well as appreciating the pleasures of living.
Former owner of Pygmalion nightclub situated in Dublin, McGlade leaves behind a loving family, including the mother of his children, Rita, his four offspring, Paul, Phillip, Katie and William, two siblings, Johnny and Sharon and half a dozen grandchildren.
The four grown-up children expressed their affection and admiration for their father during a Saturday morning requiem mass at Donnybrook’s Church of the Sacred Heart in Dublin. Katie depicted her father as a man brimming with energy and enthusiasm for every aspect of his life, be it his friends, family, work or just the joy of being alive.
She recalled her father’s life mantra being the key to happiness; bringing the energy of a child into one’s twilight years. Although he didn’t reach the milestone of old age, she remembered him as someone who was invariably gentle, seldom raising his voice, and always generous with his time and affections.
William applauded his parents for the remarkable manner in which they managed their separation, maintaining a unified front for the children. He expressed gratitude for their effort to preserve normal family traditions, like spending Christmas together and going on joint family vacations, which he learned was not the norm for families post-divorce.
In the spirit of his father, Paul emphasized how his father was all about “going big or going home” and not wavering from dreaming big, describing him as a “gentleman” who was generous, tender-hearted, empathetic, hardworking and having an unending zest for life.
“His generosity of time made a significant impact on many, truly transforming their lives for the better. This is certainly a lesson we should all internalise,” was the heartfelt sentiment shared about the beloved gentleman. His son, Philip, expressed his gratitude for his father’s guidance, especially towards his four offspring.
Philip shared a recollection of his early struggles leading the brand, Thérapie, when he was on the verge of resignation. It was the simple yet profound belief of his father in his potential that supported him through the tough times.
Philip said, “His unyielding faith was our pillar of strength. Even though his absence will deeply be felt, we promise to honour his memory by relentlessly working on ourselves and in our professions.”
The ceremony was led by Monsignor Ciaran O’Carroll and Father Gerard Tyrrell, who were accompanied by Father Michael Hughes, a childhood pal of the late Mr McGlade, now residing in Toronto.
Monsignor O’Carroll spoke warmly of Mr McGlade, highlighting his influencial reach that extended far beyond Ireland. He added, “His departure has left a huge void in many lives, but it is a testament to the enormous respect he commanded, the positive impacts he made, and the affection he shared so selflessly during his lifetime.”
Father Tyrrell recognised the unexpected loss, leaving family and friends reeling in sorrow. He expressed gratitude for the gifted life of a cherished father and grandfather.
The service wrapped up with a soulful rendition of Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World,’ followed by a cremation at The Victorian Chapel, located in Mount Jerome, Harold’s Cross.