Murphy, John
August 18, 2009
Former Derry GAA player to be laid to rest
The funeral of former Derry GAA player John Murphy will take place today.
The 83-year-old who was part of the 1947 National League winning side, passed away at Mid Ulster Hospital on Saturday.
John, a former principal of St Pius X High School in Magherafelt, also played for Ulster in the Railway Cup.
In October 2007, Mr Murphy was delighted to receive a Railway Cup winner's medal 57 years after he won it.
The Newbridge man played left corner back on the successful 1950 Ulster football side but injury ruled him out of the decider against Leinster and so he missed out on the chance of a winner's medal.
Last night, Roddy Gribben, who played alongside Mr Murphy, paid an emotional tribute to his friend.
He said: "I knew John from school days; we were in the same class together," said Roddy.
"He was a lovely modest man and was very easy to get on with. He went away to Canada when he was younger and when he came back he was appointed as principal of St Pius X High School."
John will be buried after Requiem Mass at 11am in St Patrick's Church, Glen, Maghera.
He is survived by his wife, their four children and grandchildren.
Taken from the Derry Post
18th August, 2009
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