Funeral arrangements for former Meath footballer, Joe Murphy of Kells
The funeral of former Meath footballer Joe Murphy will take place in Kells on Friday morning.
Joe, a former publican and restaurant owner in Kells, was a funeral director, and died suddenly but peacefully on Monday morning.
Regarded as one of Gaeil Colmcille's greatest ever players, he won two senior county championships with the Kells side, and played at full forward for Meath in the 1970 All-Ireland senior football final against Kerry, having orignally been brought onto the panel in 1966 to play midfield during the National League campaign.
Fellow Kells man Micheal Campbell, recently deceased, was managing the Meath team that lost to Kerry in 1970, and it was the first ever 80-minute final.
Joe Murphy was on Gaeil Colmcille teams that won two Meath senior championships, defeating Kilbride after three epic encounters in 1966, and Walterstown in 1968.
He finished his playing career with Drumbaragh, and later coached a number of local sides, including Kilmainham, who he led to an under-21 title.
On his death notice, his family says: "Joe's GAA career included playing with Gaeil Colmcilles, winning two senior championship medals. He also lined out for Meath as full forward in the 1970 All Ireland. Joe also played with local club Drumbaragh, and then went on to train St Michael's, Carnaross, Kilmainham and Wolfe Tones. We hope his legacy will live on with the love he had for these clubs."
Predeceased by his parents Bernard and Evelyn, and brother Enda, he is survived by his family Christopher, Johanna, Paul, Eadin, Aisling, and their mother, Ailish (Reynolds), his sisters Eileen and Maura, grandchildren Tadhg and Oliver Joseph, sons-in-law Daniel, Dermot and Conor, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and his wide circle of GAA friends.
He is reposing at his residence (Eircode A82W3C8) today (Wednesday) from 5pm to 8pm and Thursday from 3pm to 9pm, with removal on Friday morning to St Colmcille's Church, Kells, for Funeral Mass at 10.30am, burial afterwards in St Colmcille's Cemetery. House private Friday morning. Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Cystic Fibrosis.