Newsletter
Michael Murphy (RIP)
The death occurred last month of one of Vice-Presidents Michael Murphy and the esteem he was held in by the club was illustrated by the large turnout of club members who came not only to sympathise with his family but also give Michael a guard of honour on his final journey. Although a native of Kilbrean, Michael became involved in the club originally as there was no Spa club in the area at the time. His father had also played for the club and he began playing the game alongside his good friend Timmy Buckley.
He found himself on the Deenagh Rangers side when the club split into two entities (the other being Wolfe Tones) during the 1940’s before the club was reunited again over 10 years later. In an interview in the club’s recent publication The Alluring Call of the Leather Ball Michael cited Denis Will Fleming and Pa Joe Teehan as two of the most prominent players in his playing days but he was also adept at the physical element in running the club, once heading down with a group of other players in the club to do the back-breaking job of trying to drain the western side of the pitch. Despite the tough nature of such a job he never minded undertaking such a task. He held various administrative posts in club over the years before his service to the club was officially acknowledged in 2001 when he was formally proposed and seconded as a Vice-President of the club, a position he held until his death on the 23rd of February last.
He is survived by his children Flor, Michael and Marie and will be fondly remembered by all in the club for his efforts for the club down through the decades.
