Tributes

The late Tony Murphy

August 4th, 2005
by The Kerryman

One of Kenmare's most wellknown characters, th e former Kerry hurler Tony Murphy was laid to rest after he passed away in the Bons Hospital in Tralee on Thursday, July 28th.

Mr Murphy who owned and ran a butcher shop at No.4 Henry Street in Kenmare, was a master butcher. His death, at the age of 70 after a year long illness - has greatly saddened the local community.

Mr Murphy won an All-Ireland junior hurling m edal in 1961 after playing in the All-Ireland ho me final which saw Kerry beat Meath in Corke Park.

Mr Murphy came on as a substitute and scored a goal. Kerry went on to win the match by a goal. The Kenmare man was passionate about all sports and in later years took up golf. He was a member of the Kerry Senior Golf Club and was president of Kenmare Golf Club in 1996. He was also a passionate Manchester United fan and a member of the Kerry Supporters Club, travelling all over Ireland to support the Kingdom.

Mr Murphy is surived by his wife Maura ( a teacher) and their five daughters Eilish, Aine, Antoinette, Eimear and Orla. His wife Maura said he loved life and being involve in the local community.

"Tony was mad about all sports and would go anywhere to see a match. He also used to run the dress dances in Kenmare and was involved in the Kenmare Commercial and Working Men's Club. He became ill last July but never complained and was always a marvellous patient. Tony was always very brave throughout his illness," she said.

The retired sports editor of The Kerryman, John Barry, who was also a member of the 1961 All-Ireland winning hurling team, describd Mr Murphy this week as "an amazing man"."I played alongside Tony in 1961 and remained friends with him throughout the years. Tony was larger than life person and had a wonderful personality. Your heart would lift every time you met him. He could only be described as 'Mr Kenmare" as he was so enthusiastic about everything," he said.

Three guards of honour were formed at Mr Murphy's funeral by the local fire brigade, Kenmare Golf Club and Kenmare GAA Club. He was laid to rest at the New Cemetery in Kenmare after Mass in Holy Cross, Kenmare.



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