Mr McGinley of Rathfarnham, Dublin and formerly of Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal died at his home on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
He was married to the late Julia (nee Sheridan) and was a father of five; Paul, Mary, Karen, Michael and Suzanne.
His son, Paul McGinley, is a well known professional golfer and broadcaster who captained Europe to victory in the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Posting on social media on Sunday, Paul paid tribute to his father.
“We lost Dad today after a long battle with dementia.
“Could not have asked for a better mentor, friend and Dad. We are all broken hearted and sad.”
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview on the Indo Sport podcast with Joe Molloy in October 2024, Paul McGinley spoke candidly about his dad being diagnosed with dementia.
He explained how when he was looking after his father, he would take him to the golf course as “that’s where he ignites the most.”
Mr McGinley was well known in his native Donegal for his involvement in sport and his success in business.
He played inter-county football for Donegal in the late 1950s and early 1960s while he also co-founded telecommunications company Sigma Wireless.
He was also a former director of Highland Radio.
The radio station, based at Mountain Top, Letterkenny, paid tribute to Mr McGinley and said he was crucial to Highland Radio’s development and success in the early 2000’s.
Michael McGinley. Photo: RIP.ie
In a tribute online, Donegal Association Dublin said, “We, in the Donegal Association Dublin, are greatly saddened at the news of the death of Mick McGinley, Dunfanaghy and Rathfarnham.
“Mick was a proud Dunfanaghy man.
“He was involved with St Michael’s GAA club from its early years in the 1950s.
“He was also a lifelong member of Dunfanaghy golf club.
“Mick never forgot his roots and was a staunch supporter of everything that was for the benefit of Donegal, in particular Donegal GAA.
“We were very fortunate in the Donegal Association in Dublin to have Mick as a sponsor and active participant, along with his late wife Julia, in the many activities of the association.
“Our sincere condolences to Mick’s family at this sad time.”
Mr McGinley’s remains will be reposing at Fanagans Funeral Home, Willbrook, Rathfarnham on Thursday, January 1 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
His funeral Mass will take place on Friday, January 2 at 1pm in Church of the Annunciation, Rathfarnham, followed by burial in Kilmashogue Cemetery.
A death notice for Mr McGinley reads, “Peacefully at home, in the loving care of his family;
“Beloved husband of the late Julia (nee Sheridan) and loving father of Paul, Mary, Karen, Michael and Suzanne.
“Michael will be sadly missed by his family and in-laws, his grandchildren Niamh, Killian and Maia, Niall, James, Meabh and Michael, Sean, Luke and Liam, his sisters Marette and Kathleen, (predeceased by his brother Brian and sister Betty), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.”
