The Late John Murray The death occurred of John (Lowry) Murray, Tulira, Ardrahan, who was a prominent member of Ardrahan hurling teams in the 40s and early 50s, was noted for his great interest in horses and shows and for his work at Tulira Castle Farms for almost 30 years. He was known to all as "Lowry" following the great interest he had shown in practising hurling around his home in his young days. Some of the neighbours decided they would attach the name of the famed Kilkenny hurler of the 30s Lowry Meagher, to him and it endured. Lowry played at left full forward on the Ardrahan team which won county senior hurling titles in 1949 - their first for 39 years. He played in the same position on the Galway junior team of that year and was a sub on the senior side for a period. He was a passionate supporter of Galway and Ardrahan hurling teams since his playing days ended. He was to spend almost three decades of his working life with Lord and Lady Hemphill at Tulira Castle and farms. Lord Hemphill recalled Lowry's 29 years at Tulira Castle and farm in this tribute, "Lowry first came to Tulira in 1953 as an assistant to John Gantley, who was doing building and repair work. A year later, they both came to work permanently and from that time on, Lowry remained with us until we left Tulira in 1982. "He was a wonderful person who could turn his hand to anything and he never minded where he was sent, or what he might be asked to do. We had, in those early 1950s, the first combine harvester in south Galway, the first combined seed and fertiliser drill and we were the first people to sow sugar beet on the flat; Lowry worked with them all. "He took a tremendous interest in new equipment and development, particularly in the production of Tulira Farm Eggs, which subsequently grew into one of the largest and most up to date production units in the country. Lowry was totally involved with the installation and maintenance of all the various units. After we left Tulira, Lowry remained a lifelong friend and will now be sadly missed by all of us." Lowry went on to purchase some horses which he kept on his own farm and exhibited them at shows around the country, winning many prizes. He also met with success in breeding horses and exported a number of them to America and Germany. His great interest and knowledge of horses was recognised by the local show societies. He was President of Ardrahan Show and a vice president of Gort Show and was actively involved with both until failing health forced him into retirement. There was a wide and representative attendance at the removal, Requiem Mass in the local St. Teresa's Church and burial. Lowry is survived by his brothers Martin, London; Jimmy, Athlone; sister, Mary, Ardrahan, nieces and nephews. Courtesy of the Clare Champion, September, 2004 Tweet

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