Born in the heart of Dublin in 1951, Grace was raised on Echlin Street, in the inner city Liberties neighbourhood.

[citation needed] At the age of 18, Grace formed a folk group band known as the Gingermen.

During a gig one night, the band found themselves two members short; in an attempt to calm an anxious crowd, Grace was thrust upon the stage to humour them.

They had four children, including Bradley Grace, a member of the American metalcore band Poison the Well.

[9] A seat was also dedicated to the entertainer at his favourite spot in Killaloe where he used to feed the ducks and the swans.