Peter Murphy was a person who everyone loved
PEOPLE throughout the Enniscorthy area were saddened recently to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Peter Murphy, from Hempfield Close.
Peter passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, January 24, and his passing has left a huge void in the lives of his loving family, friends and neighbours.
From a family of four he was one of the most respected people in the town and as one close relative commented: ‘Peter loved people and people loved him.’
An avid sports fan Peter had a particular passion for soccer and was a huge Liverpool FC fan.
He was also a valued member of Shamrock Rovers AFC in Enniscorthy and he was former member of Boro Rangers.
He also played seven-a-side soccer with the Saints and was the type of player that everyone wanted on their team.
Such was his talent on the soccer pitch that he was fondly referred to as ‘Schillaci’ during his playing days in reference to the famous Italian striker.
Speaking to this newspaper his brotherin-law, Colin Creane, described Peter as ‘a small man with a big personality’. ‘Absolutely everyone loved him,’ he said. Originally from Kilcarberry, Peter was educated in Enniscorthy.
He had a passion for fishing and nature that was inherited from his late father, Arty.
His father’s affinity for nature was underlined by a robin that used to come into the family garden that he was able to feed by hand.
When his father passed away Peter was also able to replicate the amazing feat and everyday the robin would be fed out of his hand too.
While he was particularly interested in river based rod fishing he also enjoyed going out on charter boats for a bit of sea angling as well.
Family meant everything to him and he fondly referred to his mam as ‘Hubbard’; he had a nickname for everyone and he had a particularly close relationship with his younger brother, Arthur, who he always called ‘Boy Wonder’.
He loved his family dearly and regularly told his mother he loved her.
His fondness for people and interacting with them meant socialising was a big thing for Peter.
He loved going for a weekend pint with his great friend Eoin Nolan and he also had another close, life-long friend in Thomas O’Leary.
A panel-beater by trade Peter served his time with Crosbie’s in Enniscorthy and he also worked for a time in England.
Peter also loved travelling and poignantly he and his partner, Anna, had only booked a holiday away to Bulgaria just the week before he passed away.
Blessed with a wicked sense of humour Peter was someone who just loved having the craic and was the life and soul of any social gathering.
The high regard in which he was held by everyone who knew him was underlined by the huge crowd that gathered for his requiem mass in St Senan’s Parish Church, Templeshannon.
A guard of honour was formed by members of Shamrock Rovers AFC and also former members of Boro Rangers.
During the mass symbols of his life brought up to the alter included his Liverpool FC jersey, a family photo, and a bottle of Budweiser to symbolise his love of socialising with friends and family.
Following the mass Peter’s remains were laid to rest in Enniscorthy cemetery.
Peter is survived by his mother, Cathy; his partner, Anna; his daughter, Holly; sisters, Jackie and Rita; brother, Arthur; sister-in-law, Elizabeth; brothers-in-law, Ger and Colin; nephews, nieces, extended family and very large circle of friends.