Mickey was a loyal and generous friend but family always came first and foremost
Michael (Mickey) Murphy 1936 2016
THE death occurred peacefully of Michael (Mickey) Murphy of Mulla House, Rock Road, Blackrock, Dundalk at St. James Hospital, Dublin on June 20th.
He was a member of a very well known and regarded Haggardstown family who worked for most of his working career in the family garage business.
He also played as a goalkeeper with his local club Geraldines GFC and since he was a man of great physique and strength he patrolled his goalmouth with fearsome authority, providing a rock solid protection to his teammates as Mickey was not one to be trifled with.
He played an integral part in the club’s county junior championship win in 1966.
Mickey had his own ways about him but essentially was quiet by nature who was a loyal and generous friend but family came first and foremost.
His work was the focal point of his life, and was happy in the daily routine of it that often involved long hours, and worked on past retirement age until he was 70.
Mickey as he was affectionately known, was the youngest of the large family of Matt and Margaret (née Gray) Murphy and lived in the family home at Mullaharlin for all but the final dozen years of his life when he moved to reside in Blackrock
He gained his education with the De La Salle Brothers in Dundalk following which he joined Meehan’s Garage, where he served his time and qualified as a mechanic. He worked for a while on Fauls farm in Louth Village.
Brother, Tom had built the Nursery Garage on the Dublin Road around the corner from the family home, and developed the business. Later Mickey joined up with his brother and remained working in the business until he retired.
The business held the contract and conducted the removal of crashed and broken down vehicles from the roads in the area, and was the first to carry out this service.
Mickey as he grew up developed what was a life long love and interest in Geraldines GFC and became a commanding figure for years in the goalkeeper’s jersey with the senior team.
He retained a close affinity with the club long after he hung up his boots
and continued to support it, attending matches until very shortly before his death. He enjoyed a flutter on the horses, and in his leisure time attending local
race meetings. For his annual hol- iday he travelled to Kerry with close
friends to spend the week in Listowel during the annual horse meeting. He
also took part in local tug-o-war events, and was a member of successful teams.
Mickey was only ill a short time and admitted to hospital and his death was quite unexpected.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Tom and Willie and sisters, Nancy and May, along with his parents.
He is survived by his brother, Matt (Mullaharlin), sister-in-law, Mary Jane, nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
After reposing at McGeough’s Funeral Home, the removal of the remains took place to St. Fursey’s church.
Geraldines members including playing colleagues provided a Guard of Honour on the final part of the journey to the church.
Very Rev.Padraig Keenan PP celebrated Requiem Mass and delivered the eulogy.
Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.