[citation needed] In his early twenties he emigrated to Canada, and worked in radio and television gaining experience as a producer.

[9][12] McGrath selected Gay Byrne as host,[6][13] and produced the first show which was broadcast on 6 July 1962.

[10] During 1964/1965, McGrath devised the National Song Contest to select Ireland's entry for the Eurovision.

Later, McGrath contacted Dana and invited her to sing "All Kinds of Everything",[17][7] composed by Jackie Smith and Derry Lindsay.

[21][22] After a long illness, McGrath died at his home in Foxrock, Dublin on 10 April 1985, aged 55.

[23][24] His funeral Mass was held at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock and was attended by former colleagues from RTÉ.