‘Massive void’ left in Wicklow GAA following sad passing of Michael
Town mourns loss of 61-year-old
WICKLOW GAA circles remain in mourning after the passing of Michael Murphy, the Secretary of St Patrick’s GAA Club and Wicklow’s representative on the Leinster Council.
Michael moved to Wicklow town in 1976 and briefly played for St Patrick’s before taking on the role of Juvenile Secretary. Down the years he held a number of other prominent roles within the club and was appointed as the administrator of Wicklow GAA in 2004.
Paying tribute, Chris O’Connor, Wicklow GAA County Secretary, said: ‘Michael you have left a massive void in Wicklow GAA and we will all miss you dearly.’
Michael’s funeral takes place on Thursday at noon in St Patrick’s Church, Wicklow town. Michael was the husband of Angela and much loved father of Mark, Rhona and Ian.
THERE was widespread sadness countywide at the passing of Michael Murphy (61), a stalwart of GAA activities in both Wicklow town and the county as a whole.
Michael, who lived at Friars Hill in Wicklow town, passed away peacefully on Sunday surrounded by his loving family at St Vincent’s Private Hospital.
Michael was born and raised in Ballincollig in County Cork but soon made Wicklow town his home after moving there in June of 1976 to take up a position with An Post.
He played for St Patrick’s GAA Club for a short period of time before becoming the Juvenile Secretary of the club – one of the many positions he held at St Patrick’s down through the decades. He would go on to serve on a number of different committees, including the Minor Board and the North District Board.
Chris O’Connor, Wicklow GAA County Secretary, said Michael will be sorely missed and recalled his pride when St Patrick’s won last year’s championship.
‘He was fiercely proud of his beloved club St Patrick’s, where he was currently club secretary. When they won the Senior Football Championship in 2018 he was so proud, particularly when County Chairman Martin Fitzgerald asked him to present the Miley Cup to Dean Healy. I can still see his smile. Michael you have left a massive void in Wicklow GAA and we will all miss you dearly,’ said Mr O’Connor.
In 2004, Michael was ap- pointed the administrator of Wicklow GAA and was regarded as highly efficient in his new role, which brought him to all four corners of the county.
Michael was renowned for his friendly and approachable personality and wasted no time in making friends throughout the county.
At the time of his passing, he was the current secretary of St Patrick’s GAA Club and Wicklow’s representative on the Leinster Council.
Michael was the beloved husband of Angela and muchloved father of Mark, Rhona and Ian, and the dear brother of the late Tim and Bridget. He will be sadly missed by his family, sister Margaret, brother Liam, cousin Anne, daughter-in-law Aileen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family and friends.
Michael will repose at Flannery’s Funeral Home, Bachelors Walk in Wicklow town from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 13. His funeral procession will walk from Wicklow Tennis Club to arrive at St Patrick’s Church for funeral mass at noon on Thursday.