The former Republic of Ireland international described his mother as his "best friend" and said "my heart is breaking". He said: "I owe everything to her."
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
https://t.co/1zIWihh5E3 pic.twitter.com/j5I2Y13hn3
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) September 4, 2020
In an interview last year with the Irish Independent, McGrath spoke of tackling his demons and said he found himself "shipwrecked in rooms of the mind".
"Somehow, a lifeboat always arrived. If the rescue ship had a name on the hull, it might have read 'Betty'.
"I think it is through my Mum's help that I made it this far. My Mum's always been there. Even when I was in an orphanage, she would always come and see me. So I never really had that disconnect. She was always the one thread.
"If ever anything was happening in my life, I was able to reach out and I knew Mum would always show up."
McGrath was last month inducted into Irish football's Hall of Fame. The 83-times capped McGrath played for the Republic of Ireland in Euro 88 and well as in the World Cups in 1990 and '94.
