The death has occurred of Annanough and Laois GAA stalwart Tommy Murphy in Galway in his 93rd year.
Originally from Belgrove, the eldest of the famed ‘Murphys of the Farmyard’ family, Tommy won senior football championships with Annanough in 1951 and 1956 and played in a Leinster final with Laois in 1951.
Though he lived in Galway for many years, his legacy locally is a wonderful publication he produced in 1987 ‘The History of Annanough GAA Club’.
Though officially a GAA publication, it was also a history of the local Vicarstown and Rath areas and a wonderful record of local life that has endured for many years.
He also published a history of Rath National School in 1984.
His work with a farm seed company saw him initially move to Louth, where he played for a while with the Oliver Plunketts club in Drogheda before later relocating to Galway where, as an accountant, he rose through the ranks of Niland’s and later Musgrave’s to become company secretary.
Along with his wife Mary he raised his family of seven in Galway where he immersed himself in community life, helping many groups and charities and was a founding member of the Laoismen’s Association in Galway. He also fundraised for the Missions of his brother, Fr Sean, who has been based in Africa for decades.
“The history of Annanough GAA club incorporating the old clubs of Vicarstown and Moyanna is a truly magnificent 300-page publication on GAA and also a social history and school records for Vicarstown and Rath,” wrote his good friend Martin Stapleton for a tribute from the Annanough club.
“A labour of love for Tom, it is truly a treasure,” he added.
“In latter years, Tom, while looking after his adoring children and grandchildren, still found time to enjoy his golf, cards and quizzes and always followed the football fortunes of his native place.”
Tom passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the care of Brampton Care Home, Oranmore on 4 February, 2023. Pre-deceased by his son Micheál and by his siblings Dick, Billy, Con, Tess and Breege.
Tommy was the beloved husband of Mary and much-loved father of Seán, Liam, Siobhán, Padraic, Enda, Deirdre and the late Micheál.
Deeply mourned and sadly missed by his wife, sons and daughters, brothers Mick, Fr Seán and Jim, sisters Mary and Rose, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law.
Lovingly remembered by his fourteen adored grandchildren and great-grandchild who Tom was very proud of. He will be also missed by the extended Murphy and Earley family, kind neighbours and many friends.
Reposing at the O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, Galway (H91V1K8) on Tuesday, February 7, from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Arriving at Galway Cathedral on Wednesday, 8 February, in advance of Requiem Mass at 12 noon, and after Mass Tom will be laid to rest in Bohermore Cemetery.
