Castlelyons native, Raymond Murray passed away on 31st December 2011 after a long illness - he was 55. A former member of An Garda Siochana he was married to Grace and they had three children, Lisa, Peter and Sarah.

Raymond and Grace made their home in Kilcock, Co. Kildare where Raymond played an active role in the local church, Kilcock GAA Club and the AIDS Charity 'Almas.

He co-authored a book 'Golden with Hope' with his good friend, Liz Byrne - a book detailing the life of the late Fr. McWey.

A man of deep faith he gave freely of his time to his local church St. Cocs's in Kilcock. He published the parish magazine, St Cocs's Well, was a minister of the Eucharist, served on the parish finance committee as well as training altar servers. He was also the driving force behind creating a garden in the grounds of the church. In January 2011, his commitment to the Catholic Church was recoginzed when he was presented with the Bene Merenti Medal.

He had a lifelong passion for sport and was an active and valued member of Castlelyons GAA Club where he played football and hurling. Following his arrival in Kilcock he linked up with the local GAA Club and quickly set about making a huge contribution to club affairs, he trained juvenile teams, served as secretary and PRO in the club's Bord and nOg committee and progressed to become both secretary and chairman of the adult club.

He was instrumental in a massive fundraising drive that helped build a new club complex and sport centre. At the club AGM in 2010, Raymond was elected on the post of honourary president.

For all his adult life, Raymond Murray was a giver, who was happiest when helping others. His frontline experience as a detective with the Drugs Squad in Dublin Castle never hardened him and his compassion and humanity always shone through.

Speaking at the funeral Mass, Fr Brian Kavanagh said Raymond Murray's overriding concern was always for others.

"Ray's interest and love for the poor touched my heart, his mind was full of love and love is what makes a difference in life".

Fr PJ Byrne PP, Kilcock and Newtown also paid tribute to Raymond at the funeral. "Ray was a man of unique spiritual depth combined with great personal integrity. He richly deserved his Bene Merenti medal and accepted it with great humility".

Raymond Murray is survived by his wife, Grace, children, Lisa, Peter and Sarah, father, Francie, brothers, Michael and Dermot and sisters, Mary, Eileen, Patricia, Deirdre, Ber, Enda and Fiona. May he rest in peace.

Courtesy of The Avondhu
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