Much sadness was evoked when the news of the death of Jim Murphy filtered throughout the country. Jimmy had been ill for some months but bore his sickness with courage and acceptance which comes from one blessed with a deep and abiding faith. Jimmy always put his trust in God and accepted his will in all things. Myself, Terry O Hare and Mickey McCann spent a most enjoyable afternoon in his home just a couple of weeks before his death. We were graciously received by his wife Thresa and daughter Siobhann. We spent a few hours of nostalgia as we tripped down memory lane, recalling players and teams and games over the past fifty years, comparing them to the present crop of footballers. Jimmy recalled the day we first met, it was, he said, on April Fool's Day, first of April, Easter Sunday, the year 1956. We were on our way to play Monaghan in Clones in a Minor League game. We travelled with the late Poppy Fearon, Jimmy played a stormer that day, scoring six points from play. His skill, speed, ball control etc, amazed us all. Jimmy could solo at speed with both feet, which left an opponent almost impossible to dispossess him. The following year 1957 Jimmy starred on the Minors. They reached the All-Ireland Final that year but unfortunately were beaten by Meath. Incidentally, since the age of fifteen, he was a regular on the team, culminating in that final in 1957. The following year he single handedly beat us on the old field on the Quarter Road scoring a total of nine points for Forkhill, we were very fortunate when he joinerd us. He fitted in perfectly in the 'Cruppen set up and played no small part in us winning the Senior Championship for the first time in 1959 and the Senior Leagues in 1960. Jimmy emigrated to Birmingham in the early sixties and took up employment with Norway Construction as a pipe layer. It was not too long until Jimmy joined the local John Mitchels there and very soon was the talk of the GAA fraternity. The late Peter McGleenan, who emigrated to England in the early fifties, kept sending write-ups home, reporting on how well Jimmy was playing. However, the powers that be in Ireland ignored these reports. The great Danny Kelly, former club mate and great friend of Jimmy, always maintained he got a raw deal from the county selectors. Danny reckoned had they flown Jim over for the 1961 Ulster final against Down in Casement Park the result would have been different. Alot of that Down squad were both delighted and surprised at his omission. They could not understand why he was overlooked. Jimmy was a lovely person to know. I was proud and privileged to have known him and been on the same team. Hie infectious smile and wit endeared him to all and he was very popular wherever he went. In all the years I've known him, never have I heard him say an unkind word against anyone. He always tried to see the good in everyone, he never hugged the limelight but was always content to stay in the background. In fact, Jimmy never realised how good he was, either as a footballer or a musician. Feature of our visit with him that day was his reaction when Siobhann showed one of the All-Ireland medals which she won with St Brigid's Accordion bands. The pride in his eyes at his daughter's achievements overshadowed the numerous trophies, cups and medals won by himself. I think this meant more to him than his own achievements. Jimmy played the button accordion with the Ring of Gullion C.C.E for over twenty five years. He never boasted of his many talents. When the family moved back to Ireland, they took up residence in Jonesboro in 1972 and Mickey O Rourke was on the ball to get him signed for Dromintee. Jimmy's brother, the late Frank, and Tom McEvoy along with Jack Murphy, Jimmy Hiughes and Bosco McArdle to name but a few were big nanmes in the south Armagh area around that time. Jimmy signed with Dromintree and was still an active club member and Groundsman right up to his death. He won the Prestigiouis Hall of Fame recently. An award which he so rightly deserved. Loving husband, father and grandfather. Jimmy was first and foremost a loving husband to his lovely wife, Theresa whom he met in England and married in the Star of the Sea Church Cooley in 1966. They returned to Birmingham shortly after their marriage and stayed there for the next six years. A devoted father to his six children, sons Sean, Francis and Ciaran, daughters Siobhan, Michelle and Catriona and adoring grandfather to his nine grandchildren Shannon, Patrick, Stephen, Miceal, Conor, Tiernan, Cormac and Blathnaid who were his pride and joy. Jimmy would have been proud to have seen so many people visit the house and attended the funeral. St. Brigid's Accordion Band and Jonesboro Primary School, Dromintee teams who formed a guard of honour. The hundreds of gaels and musicians in the massive cortege from the house to the chapel. The church was overflowing for his Requiem Mass. The survivng members of the Carrickcruppen team of which Jimmy was part of were also in attendance. Sincerest condolences are extended to Jimmy's wife Theresa, sons, Sean, Francis and Ciaran, daughters Siobhann, Michelle and Catriona, grandchildren Shannon, Patrick, Stepeh, Miceal, Tiernan, Cormac, Blathnaid and Aoife and all his family circle. Rest well old pal, for you have reached your eternal goal. Leo Hughes, Carrickcruppen G.F.C. The Examiner, 03/02/09 Tweet

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