Murphy, Padraig
July 04, 2012The late Padraig Murphy
1931 - 2012
Former Primary school teacher Padraig Murphy, Racecourse Lawn, Oakpark, Tralee and formerly of Camp, Tralee, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday morning June 13.
Padraig was widely known due to career success in education, sporting achievements and especially for his outgoing personality and generosity of spirit. To his family, he led by example: a lifelong passion for football; fierce competitive spirit tempered by fairness; an independent thinker with a relaxed easy manner and a continuing love for nature.
He was the second eldest of seven children. His parents Jackie and Hannah Murphy were both teachers in Camp primary school. Padraig attended Scoil Iosagain, Ballyvourney before teacher training at St Patrick's College. His first job was in O'Connell's Schools in Dublin and then, following his father's death, back to Camp as principal teacher.
He married his loyal and beautiful wife Alice, from Wexford, 1960. His teaching career continued at Aughacasla NS and Listellick NS, Tralee where he again became principal.
Padraig's football career began in school winning the Foley Cup with CBS, Tralee in 1945 and the Munster Colleges Frewen Cup with Colaiste Iosagain in 1947 (their first ever title win). Playing for his native Camp, he won three district board titles in 1949, 50, 51, occupying the demanding centre field position. He captained the Munster Colleges Senior team in 1949 and was captain when they won the Coisti Mhuire title.
In 1949 he won a Junior All-Ireland with Kerry, playing on the forward line. He also played with the Kerry seniors, won a Munster senior championship title in 1950 and played as a substitute on the 1951 and 1952 teams. He also holds a National League medal.
He was a natural teacher, popular colleague and leader in the local community. He had a keen interest in the well-being of all his pupils, passing on his love of history, the Irish language, Gaelic games and the Catholic faith. He is reputed to have taught six priests during his long and successful career.
Padraig was chairman of his local INTO branch and also of 'The Retired Teachers Organisation.' He retired as principal from Listellick NS in 1990. No matter how busy, he always made time for his children and grandchildren passing on his personal wisdom and a love of books.
He was a founder member of Na Gaeil GAA club, proposing the club's name and serving proudly as president for 32 years. On retirement Padraig became even more active in the community, serving as president of 'Probus' in Tralee and joining The Kerry Archeological and Historical Society, Tralee Toastmasters and continuing work with Glor na nGaeil.
Growing vegetables and rhubarb was his special hobby. He enjoyed long seaside walks followed by afternoon tea and listening to "the match" loudly on the radio. He was an owl rather than a lark, regularly reading the paper or puzzling over a crossword until late evening.
Alice and Padraig celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2010, lovingly re-visiting their original honeymoon destination in Jersey.
As a family man, educationalist, mentor, raconteur and historian, Padraig Murphy will be greatly missed by family, friends and neighbours leaving a huge void in the lives of many.
The Murphy family would like to offer sincere thanks to Fr. Sean Hannafin and the many priests who concelebrated Padraig's funeral mass in St John's church; Aidan O'Carroll Kerry school of Music, Lucy Tanner violinist and soloist Noelle Barrett for the wonderful musical tribute; Listellick staff and pupils, his exceptionally supportive neighbours, teaching colleagues, Na Gaeil and Camp GAA members for rainy guards of honour.
Also his professional care team who eased his final days: Dr. Ruane GP, Kerry General Hospital, Bons Secours, HSE staff and Kerry Respite care as well as Gleasures funeral directors.
Courtesy of The Kerryman, July 4th, 2012. Tweet
