Tributes continue to be paid to the late Fr. Tommy Murphy, All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny in the 1960s and founding member of the O’Loughlin Gaels club in Kilkenny city.
The retired parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyragget, and late of The Rower Inistioge, Fr. Murphy pass on Monday.
Kilkenny GAA led the tributes to Fr. Tommy on Monday saying he “left a lasting impression on many GAA clubs throughout the county.” Well-regarded in the Kilkenny hurling scene, Murphy was part of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland minor team in 1960, going on to win the first of two All-Ireland senior hurling medals in 1963 with Kilkenny edging Waterford 4-17 to 6-08 in Croke Park. He secured a second Celtic Cross in the Cats’ win over Cork in the 1969 All-Ireland final.
O’Loughlin Gaels club were among those paying tribute this week.
“Tommy was a founding member of O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club and a strong voice in helping set up our grounds at St. John’s Park while a priest at St. John’s Parish. He was an advocate of the merit of promoting young people in sport using his passion for GAA and hurling as the platform.”
“He is credited for grouping together the hurling collage of St. John’s Parish teams into one, now known as O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and had a very proud association with the club.”
The No Name Club in Kilkenny also paid tribute to Fr. Murphy online.
“A Sunday mass sermon by Fr Tom prompted a deeper conversation between him and his two close friends, Eddie and Eamonn. And those conversations led to the first No Name Club in Kilkenny in 1978 and developed into the countrywide organisation in existence today”, reads a statement on their Facebook page.
“On the day that we learn of Fr Tom’s passing, we look back with fond memories of his positive impact on communities right across Ireland. Fr Tom is fondly remembered by everyone connected with No Name Club. The Board, staff, volunteers, current and past youth members of No Name Club offer our condolences to Fr Tom’s family, friends and colleagues.”
