Murphy, Anthony
January 01, 2013The death of Anthony Murphy at his home, Moyle Big, Carlow on Monday 26 November marked the passing of a greatly loved man within his local community. Aged 85, Anthony was diagnosed with cancer in July 2011 and had, in the main, been nursed at home since then.
He was son of Daniel and Bridget (nee Lupton) Murphy and one of a family of eight children, six boys and two girls. The Murphy family resided at Kyleballyhue but, following a fire at the family home some 19 years ago, Anthony went to reside at Moyle Big.
He farmed a small holding and also carried out hedge cutting for local farmers and the ESB. A single man, Anthony held a keen interest in politics and was a dedicated sports. follower. He supported Tinryland football teams down the years, and a club jersey was placed on his coffin, while club members formed a guard of honour at his funeral.
Four of his brothers - Martin, Tom, Jim and John - were members of the Tinryland team which won the Carlow SFC in 1948. Martin passed away in 1949, while his three brothers went on to be part of the three-in-a-row title-winning teams of 1948, '49 and '50. Anthony enjoyed a social drink, and until the breathlyser became widely used, he would be found at the Tinryland GAA clubhouse every Sunday night between 8pm and 10pm in the company of his great friend, the late Paddy 'Salt' Murphy, Ballybar. He greatly enjoyed the banter at the clubhouse.
Anthony was a great devotee of racing and enjoyed a flutter on the horses. He would meet his friend Pat Hayden from Tinryland in town to discuss the 'form' prior to putting on a bet. Pat and Paul Delaney were very good to Anthony during his illness in terms of bringing him to and from hospital appointments.
Special mention should be made of Niamh Doyle, a neighbour of Anthony's in Moyle Big. Niamh, described as the daughter Anthony never had, was a wonderful help to him from the time she came to reside in Moyle Big. When Anthony fell ill, Niamh enabled him to stay at home by setting up rotas with the other neighbours and seeing to all his medical needs, as well as making sure he kept medical appointments and that transport was provided for him.
Anthony kept a great garden and working in the garden provided him with the opportunity to meet and talk to passing neighbours out for walks. He reposed at McGuill's Funeral Home, Bennekerry - Pat McGuill was a good friend of Anthony's - before removal to St Joseph's Church, Tinryland on Wednesday 28 November for the funeral Mass, celebrated by Fr Tom Little, PP, Askea-Bennekerry-Tinryland.
A collection of flowers from Anthony's garden was brought forward at the beginning of Mass, symbolising his love of the garden. Also presented at the altar was a statue of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, to whom Anthony had a special devotion.
The readings at Mass were by Chris Fingleton, a relative, and niece Catherine Walsh. Prayers of the Faithful were read by relative Aine Murphy and niece Olive Murphy. The Offertory gifts were brought forward by Caroline O'Mahony, Anthony's home help for three years, and Philomena Meally from Bluebird Care in Kilkenny. Fr Little paid a fitting tribute to Anthony's life in a eulogy during Mass. The lovely singing at Mass was by Josie Kelly and the Tinryland church choir.
Anthony was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery, with Fr Little reciting the final prayers at the graveside. He is mourned by his sister Margaret Murphy (Rosslare Strand, Co Wexford), sisters-in-law Mary and Olive, by nieces, nephews, his good neighbours and many friends. Anthony's relatives wish to express their deep appreciation to his public health nurse Norma Thornton, the members of the Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare Team and to the private Bluebird Care - especially Mary Drennan - and to Dr Gerry Moran and his staff and to Morrissey's Pharmacy.
Also, a huge word of thanks to the neighbours and friends of Anthony's for all their visits and kindness towards him during his illness and down the years.
Courtesy of The Carlow Nationalist. Tweet
