The death has occurred of Billy Murphy from Belgrove near Ballybrittas, a man who was hugely well-known and liked in the area.
Billy was from the ‘Murphys of the Farmyard’ family in Belgrove and lived at nearby Breen’s Cross.
The family were very involved in the local community and his wife Millie was the Leinster Express notes correspondent for many years.
He was a huge GAA fan and was a regular at games in O’Moore Park for a long number of years.
A former championship winner with Annanough in the 1950s, alongside his brothers Mick and Tommy, he later played with the Courtwood club following their formation in the early 1960s and served in a variety of roles with them over the years.
Billy was a keen supporter of his grandson Shane Nerney who lined out with Laois and O’Dempsey’s in recent seasons. Shane’s mother Mary is Billy’s daughter.
Billy was also a huge supporter of his near neighbour and former Laois footballer Fergal Byron and often travelled to matches all over the country with Fergal’s parents Pat and Marie.
Billy passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving and devoted family in his 88th year.
Billy will be greatly missed by his loving wife Millie, and his family Michael, Patrick, Mary and Catherine.
Much loved grandfather of Aisleen, Gavin, Michelle, Shane, Amy, Katie and Eoghan.
He is predeceased by his brothers and sisters Breege, Connie, Dick, Tess, and baby brother Pat.
Sadly missed by his brothers Tom (Galway), Mick, Jim (Rath), Fr Sean (South Africa), Mary McEvoy (Portarlington) and Rose Dowler (Dublin). Daughters-in-law Geraldine and Kate, son in-law Frankie. Brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Reposing at his residence (R32 K63X) on Monday from 4 o’clock until 9 o’clock. Reposing on Tuesday from 4 o’clock until 9 o’clock with recital of the Rosary on both evenings at 8 o’clock.
Arriving to the Sacred Heart Church, Rath for 2 o’clock Requiem Mass on Wednesday. Interment to follow in the new Cemetery Emo. House private on Wednesday morning please.
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