North County CC and Fingal and Leinster cricket are in mourning having lost the legend that was Tom Murphy.
Despite valiant efforts to reach the ultimate century, that in life on this earth, Tom at 98 years young passed away yesterday surrounded by his adoring and treasured family. Tom who uniquely graced cricket pitches near and far for seven decades has one last time left the field of play to be finally reunited with his beloved late wife Josie.
No words can give justice to Tom's 50+ years of service & dedication to our great game of cricket. That 50 years was just on the pitch and was followed by a further 20 years post retirement supporting & following its every move.
Tom's first outing was with Knockbrack CC in the Fingal league in 1939, and his last with North County in the Leinster league in 1992 at the seasoned age of 69 years.
In between he played with Walshestown, Rush, Balrothery and Man O War and won countless medals and trophies in this time.
He was an outstanding player who played with other such Fingal greats as Kit Mooney, Christy Russell, Simon Hoare, Valley Farrell & Sean Moore. His achievements were innumerable including Fingal Selection Representation with his late brothers Jim and Kevin, playing against and beating senior Leinster sides, endless Fingal and Leinster awards, playing in a Leinster Senior Cup at the age of 60 and playing competitive Leinster cricket into his 69th year.
His unrivaled memory and knowledge of the game was a great source for those involved in creating cricket annals. In 2019 Cricket Leinster honoured Tom at a centenary event for his distinguished service to cricket. He was also a guest speaker at their Centenary Book launch in The Hills CC and a Guest of Honour at their last Awards Dinner in 2019. Jim Bennet and The Hills CC also hosted a Fingal League event in March 2020 on the History of Cricket in Fingal at which Tom spoke and was honoured.
Tom's other pleasures included greyhounds (Brandy Bawn), horse racing & poker. Tom led a long, simple, good and hard working life on the family land in Walshestown and was a man of great faith and devotion, particularly to Padre Pio. No doubt he will be rewarded in heaven, following soon after the departure of his cricketing team mates and neighbours who have left us of late - Tom McGrane, Sean Moore & Eddie Lindsey. There will be a lot of Fingal cricket matches replayed in heaven today.
Tom's love of cricket was exceeded by only one other love - that for his family, all of whom followed in his steps onto the cricket field. Each and every one of them to his great pride also excelled at the game and now their children too are playing at senior level to this day, ensuring the Murphy name is synonymous with cricket in Fingal & Leinster.
We extend our deepest sympathy to John, Angela, Michael, Thomas, Deirdre, Joe & Josephine. Tom, the last of his era, will be greatly missed but never forgotten, such was his legacy. Rest in Peace Tom.
For further information on Tom's illustrious cricketing career, please see the attached wonderful article and tribute written by CL President Jim Bennett on the occasion of Tom's 98th birthday in August.
Funeral Arrangements :
Reposing at McNally’s Funeral Home, Balbriggan, on Saturday evening from 6pm - 8pm. Removal on Sunday evening to St. MacCullins Church, Lusk, arriving at 6.15pm. Funeral Mass will take place on Monday afternoon at 2pm which can be viewed live on the following link -
Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Please observe and respect social distancing guidelines and masks must be worn.
House Private Please
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to
Padre Pio Prayer Group, Balbriggan.
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