The Late Brendan Murphy Brendan Murphy, who passed away at 83 years of age, was the "scrupulously honest" Treasurer who looked after the finances of the Galway Hurling Board throughout the glory days of the 1980s. A native of Newcastle, Athenry, who had a keen interest in hurling throughout his life, Murphy was appointed Assistant Treasurer when the Hurling Board was founded as an entity in its own right in 1971. That change in the administration of the sport is widely credited with bringing about the massive change in the fortunes of the county teams, with the U-21 title of the following year being followed by the 1975 League title and the unforgettable All-Ireland title which saw Galway bridge a 57 year gap in 1980. Murphy, a forestry worker, moved to Gort and was appointed Treasurer in 1981. Throughout the 1980s, the golden age for Galway hurling, he was known for his extreme honesty in managing the Board's finances and in providing the county teams with all of the facilities they required. He took great joy in the All-Ireland successes of 1980, '87 and '88, but which he enjoyed the big days in Croke Park, he was also instrumental in appointing an army of honest volunteers to look after the gate money at less fashionable club games. "He was a gentleman - a great Hurling Board man who always had the Board in the black," said the former Hurling Board Secretary, Phelim Murphy. "He was involved in hurling all his life, when he lived in Athenry, Cork and Gort, and he was a Pioneer all his life as well. It was a pleasure to work with him." Brendan who had been ill for a few years, passed away at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. His Requiem Mass took place at St. Colman's Church, Gort, and a minute's silence was observed in his honour before the Galway v Tipperary National Hurling League game at Pearse Stadium. He is survived by his wife, Masie, daughter, Mary, sons Andy, Patrick, Michael and John, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, nephews and nieces and a large circle of friends. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 22nd April 2005 By Ciaran Tierney Tweet

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