The Late Matt Murphy Mr Matt Murphy 1 Woodlawn Park, Borris, Co. Carlow who died on Thursday September 5th at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny was a former Gaelic footballer and hurler and has played in both codes for his native county. He was aged 70 and had been in indifferent health for some three years. A native of Kilgreaney, Bagenalstown, Matt played minor football with Kilcloney (Borris) and at adult level lined out with the old and long defunct Corries football team, then with Ballinkillen, The Gaels and Fenagh. He also played football for Barrow Rovers, a team picked from junior clubs who played in the Carlow SFC and were drawn from Corries, The Gaels and Fenagh. He played at wing back on the county team and was considered a good player. As a hurler Matt played full back with Ballinkillen and filled the same position with distinction for the county junior team. For years Matt corked with the late Willie Kidd from Kilgreaney, being acknowledged first as a very good ploughman and then an excellent tractorman. Overall Matt was regarded as hard working individual who enjoyed widespread popularity within his local community. In more latter years he worked as driver for O'Shea's of Borris up to his retirement. He was a man who enjoyed nature, keeping an excellent flower garden and also raising birds, canaries and goldfinches. A devoted family man Matt was married to the former Josie Mulrooney who survives him, along with their five children- four daughters and a son. The remains were removed from Joyce's of Borris to Ballinkillen Church where they were received by Fr. Kevin Walsh, CC Bagenalstown. Fr. Pierce Murphy celebrated the Funeral Mass on Saturday, after which burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Matt is survived by is wife Josie, Family Matt, Violet (both No1 Woodlawn Park), Siobhán (Carlow), Mary and Martina (both No 1 Woodlawn Park). He is also survived by his brothers Tommy (No 4 McDonald Park, Balinkillen) and Jack (Kilgreaney), sisters Mrs Christina Broderick (Tirnyland) and Mrs Josephine O'Rourke (31 Pairc Mhuire, Bagenalstown), as well as his two grandchildren Sabrina and Shannon, other relatives, neighbours and many friends. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist September 2002 Tweet

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