The recent passing of Eddie Murphy was cause for much sadness amongst those that came in contact with him over the course of his life. Of a rather quiet disposition, Eddie kept a low profile.

Born on April1, 1928 he grew up in Ballyhoo. Having completed his primary education in Castletown NS he moved to Knockane, Annestown to live with his uncles and aunt, Paddy, Neddy and Nora Mooney, and help on the farm. He integrated into the local community, played football with the great Kill teams of the 1950s and was committed to anything adventurous that issued a challenge. He had an inquiring mind.

His youthful exuberance was infectious, prompting his uncle to be more adventurous investing in a Massey Ferguson tractor and the agricultural implements to compliment it; Eddie was hooked. A new phase of his life was opening up; in a few years he would enter the contracting business, first with the combine harvester, which was replacing the old method of harvesting.
Taking full advantage of the arrival of the JCB, the latest modern machine, which was capable of performing the backbreaking tasks hiterto undertaken by human beings wielding pick and shovel, he was provided with all year round work. He was first on the scene and in a short space of time he was a skilled operator with his services in demand.

He secured a contract with the ESB - responding to emergency call outs and restoring supply to homes brought him great satisfaction.
Eddie was always an extremely hard worker, literally working night and day in earlier years to complete ploughing and harvesting work to beat the weather, and in later years rising at 5am to travel long distances to work with the ESB. Having completed a long work day he would still be available to help out friend, neighbour or family member without hesitation.
He excelled as a family man; his wife Julia and his family were the most important things in his life, catering for their welfare took priority over everything. Leading by example, he was their hero and was idolised. Some of his sons joined him in his contracting business and later setting up on their own. This made him very proud.

Eddie's ailing health required him to reside in Havenwood retirement home. He was the first to take up residence on January 4, 2007. His quiet, unassuming character and charm quickly endeared him to all the staff and carers who became a second family to Eddie, and who lavished him with loving care, attention and friendship, even taking pride in teaching the 'cupla focal' to those for whom Gaeilge was not their native tongue.

The vast attendance at his removal to Dunhill Church and requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Gerry Condon joined by Fr Paul Murphy, Mons John Shine, Fr Ned Hassett, Fr Tom Flynn, Fr John Tracey was testimony to the esteem in which he was held by those that had come in contact with him throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife Julia, children Maurice, Mary, John, Julianna, Margarieta, Edmond, Gerard, Pio, Liam, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchild, brothers Pierre and Willie.
The heartfelt eulogy was delivered by Eddie's eldest son Maurice, who spoke warmly of his father and the true hardworking, unassuming gentleman that he was.
May he rest in the peace and joy of his eternal home. Ar Dheis De go raibh a hAnam Dilis.

- Courtesy of Waterford News & Star, 31st May 2011 Tweet

Most Read Stories