Murphy, Johnny
November 04, 2009
The late Johnny Murphy
The death of John Murphy brought great sadness to his wife Nora and family and many friends and relatives throughout Co. Galway.
Johnny, as he was popularly known, was in failing health for the last seven months. He was approaching 71 years of age. The Murphy family are very grateful to the kind neighbours and friends who visited Johnny both in hospital and at the family home.
Johnny married Nora Monaghan from Tavanagh, Cummer on October 28th, 1970. The late Cannon O'Malley PP officiated at St. Coleman's Parish Church in Cummer. Johnny and Nora settled into married life on the family farm in the attractive neighbourhood of Caherhugh, about two miles from Belclare. They were hard working and cheerful as they carried on in mixed farming and rearing a family. They always took pride in their property, maintaining it in an impeccable state of condition and decor.
Johnny and Nora had many friends. Johnny was a soft spoken man, a great husband and father and a most loyal neighbour and fiend. He enjoyed the art of conversation and was always pleased to recall the arrival of fairs, markets, marts and memorable nights at Keaveney's Dance Hall!
However, his main sporting interest was gaelic football. He was immensely proud to see his nephew Michael Donnellan play for Galway in Croke Park and another nephew Aidan Donnellan win eight senior county medals with his native parish of Corofin. The greatest experience of all was to see the talented Galway captain and neighbour Ray Silke, raising the Sam Maguire Cup in Croke Park in one of Galway football's most popular victories. This was a very special occasion and forever foremost in Johnny's mind.
He was a loyal member of his church and community - a strong believer in prayer and the sacraments. This was stated in a warm homily at the funeral mass in Belclare Church by Fr. Martin Gleeson. It was also this strong and deep faith that helped Johnny and Nora cope with the tragic loss of their only son Anthony in 1986.
Son in law Martin Hogan paid a special tribute to Johnny as he prepared for his final journey.
Aine and Catherine McHugh gave a most beautiful musical recital with the local Belclare choir which was greatly appreciated by all, especially the Murphy family.
Johnny Murphy is survived by his living wife Nora, daughters Mary (Hogan) and Noreen, brother Mattie, sister Bridgie (Donnellan), brother in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews and many other relatives, friends and saddened neighbours. He was laid to rest in Cummer Cemetery.
Courtesy of Tuam Herald
5th November
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