Catherine Murphy passed away peacefully at her residence Aghalun House, Brookeborough on 8th September 2007. Catherine or Katie as who was affectionately known was born the fifth child of John and Mary Healy (nee Mallon) on 13 June 1922 in Newtowncashel, Co Longford. At the age of sixteen she came to Brookeborough to work with her uncle the late Patrick Healy. After a few years she met the man who was to be her future husband, Harry Murphy, and they were married in her native parish St Mary's Newtowncashel on 8th September 1943. The marriage was blessed with three children, Philomena, Sean and Rita. Sadly Katie was widowed when Harry died suddenly in 1971. She was a lady who lived life to the full, her priority being her family. She was a caring and loving mother and a cherished, valued and loved grandmother, whose words of wisdom will long be remembered. For many years she was an active member, and for six years president of the local branch of the Legion of Mary. During the sixties she was a dedicated member of the school and parish fund raising committee, participating in collections, bazaars, etc. She was promoter for the Sacred Heart Messenger for the last thirty years. Katie had a great love for Irish music, song and dance, and she willingly shared her knowledge and expertise with local adults and children in the preparation of Set Dancing for Scór and Scór na nÓg competitions. She was a keen supporter of the GAA and was a well-known face with the late Mrs Sarah Donnelly making tea and sandwiches in primitive conditions on the football field. Above all Catherine, as Father Dolan said at her funeral, was a woman of strong faith. She lived a good Christian life of prayer and good works, while she was fleet of foot she was a daily communicant. Sadly her deteriorating arthritic condition forced her to use a wheelchair for the last twelve years of her life, but despite being confined to the wheelchair she still enjoyed life and did her best to attend church and family functions, the last outing being her grandson Brian's wedding 30th June last. Her funeral took place in St Mary's Church, Brookeborough on 10th September. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Father Dolan, PP; assisted by Canon McCaughey, PE; and Canon Dawson, PP. Symbolic gifts were brought to the altar by her daughters Philomena and Rita, and grand-daughter Ann Robinson. The readings were by her son Sean, and granddaughter Ann Robinson. The readings were by her son Sean, and granddaughter Edel Robinson. Prayers of the Faithful were read by granddaughters Aileen Murphy, Briege McKenna, and Nuala Meenan. The offertory Procession was by her sister Brigid Murphy and lifetime friend Maria Lilley. Catherine is survived by Philomena (Jimmy), Sean (Margaret), Rita (Patsy); grandchildren Edel, Paula (Gary), Briege (David), Ann, Ciarán (Roberta), Aileen, Brian (Catherine), Aidan, Nuala; great-grandchild, Emma, Daire, Rhiannon, Ádhamh; sisters Margaret, Brigid, Rita, Vera, and brother Aidan. Courtesy of the Fermanagh Herald. 31 October, 2007. Tweet

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