Tony is sadly missed by his family and friends
THE PASSING of Tony Murphy, Maudlintown, Wexford, has left a massive void in the lives of his family and all those who knew him.
One of the most respected and popular members of the community he had the ability to relate to people of all ages.
Through his work with his Ace School of Motoring he became very well known throughout the county. His driving school, which he ran for 19 years, was one of the passions of his life and he was renowned for his inherent talent and skills as an instructor.
Tony, who was also a Peace Commissioner, earned the greatest respect from all age groups through his reputation for being strict and to the point in his profession. However, he was also very witty and that endeared him to his students who always felt at ease in his company.
His love for driving was something he gave to everyone he met through his lessons and the driving instruction industry has lost one of its most gifted exponents of the craft.
While Tony’s interests were varied he loved his family more than anything and there was a great bond between him and his wife, Clare, and daughter, Debbie.
A passionate animal lover Tony had a particular interest in birds and he had a wonderful affinity for all species.
An avid bird-keeper he bred many different species and he was a role model for many people in how he cared for and nurtured them. He also took great pride in his bird shed.
His nephew, Nicky, always said Tony was a great influence on him when it came to keeping and rearing birds. A hard worker all his life, he spent many years at sea and through that work travelled to many different parts of the world. He often recalled his time on the water through stories of his adventures at sea,
The high esteem in which he was held was underlined by the outpouring of grief that occurred when he passed away on March 5,following a very brief illness, and through the large gathering of mourners who congregated in the Church of the Assumption, Bride Street, for his Requiem Mass on Friday, March 9.
Following the mass Tony’s remains were cremated in Glasnevin.
He is survived and sadly missed by his wife, Clare, daughter, Debbie, brother, Kenneth, sisters, Kathleen and Pearl, sisters-in-law, brothersin-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and large circle of friends.