The Late Tommy Murphy Mr Tommy Murphy (55) who has died was a former chairman of Kilkenny GAA Board. Mr Murphy from Ballyda, Danesfort, Co Kilkenny died at Beaumont hospital, Dublin. He had served as chairman from 1986 until 1989. Immediately on vacating the chair he was elected as one of the two Kilkenny representations on the Leinster Council, a position he filled up to the time of his death. Tommy Murphy was born and reared in Danesfort. He attended the local national school and subsequently the City Technical School. Deep love Throughout his life he had a deep love of his native parish and county, and he served many causes in the name of both. Mr Murphy was deeply involved in the GAA from an early age. He played with Danefort at all levels. He made his debut on the junior hurling team when he was only 13. Honours with the club were few and far between but with work colleagues at the former Kilkenny Products engineering plant, Hebron Road he won Leinster inter-firm medals at junior hurling level in 1967 and 1976. Mr Murphy was only 22 years old when he took his first step into administration. He was elected secretary of his club, a position he filled between 1971 and '85. He took over as treasurer in 1991, and he was the man in the centre of activities when the club embarked on a major grounds purchasing and development programme. Life Member He filled that role until 2002. At the last annual meeting, he was made an honourary life member of the Danesfort club in recognition of services rendered. Mr Murphy was elected vice-chairman of the Northern Board in 1982. After serving a three year term he took over the chair from the late Ted Carroll, who moved on to be County Board secretary. A year later, in 1986, Mr Murphy rejoined Ted Carroll, this time at County Board level as chairman. On top of his duties at Leinster level, Mr Murphy also served on the powerful Games Administration Committee of the GAA in 1994, '95 and 1996. His last official function was to present the Walsh cup (hurling) to UCD following their their win over Kilkenny at the beginning of the year. He was part of the Kilkenny delegation to annual Congress since 1986, and he was a regular contributor to debates. On the home front, he represented the GAA on the Broadcasting Committee of the former Radio Kilkenny. And he also represented the Board on the GAA Supporter Club committee. He was part of the Development Committee set up to overlook the upgrading of Nowlan Park. The grounds, which is one of the finest in the province, is a fitting tribute to a man who believed nothing was too good for Kilkenny. Mr Murphy was also interested in other sports. He was a founding member of Fort Rangers soccer club, and he played with the teams. He worked for years as a sales representative with Kilkenny Products. When the factory closed in 1985 he went into business for himself for a short time before being appointed a Revenue Collector with the County Council. The remains were received at Danesfort church on Saturday by Monsignor Martin Campion, assisted by Fr. Tommy Murphy PP, Ballyragget. Burial was in Danesfort cemetery on Sunday. The coffin was draped in the Danesfort colours, and the guards of honour were led by Leinster Council chairman, Nickey Brennan, and included male an female members of Danesfort GAA club, Fort Rangers, former work colleagues and pupils from Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale where his daughter is a pupil. Prayers of the Faithfull were said by Edel Murphy (godchild), Pat and Tim Murphy (nephews), John Healy (Leinster Council delegate) and Jim McGrath (Danesfort GAA club). Gifts were brought to the altar during the Offertory procession by his brother, Denis Murphy and his wife, Rita. Readings were taken by Charles Molyneaux, Timmy Murphy (brother) and work colleague, Michael Shortall. Chief mourners - Marian Murphy (widow); Katie (daughter); Paul (son); Timmy and Denis Murphy (brothers) and a host of other relatives and friends. GAA lost a true friend KILKENNY GAA bade a fond farewell to a loyal trooper at the weekend. Former county board chairman, Tommy Murphy was laid to rest in his native Danesfort after losing his battle against a serious illness. During a graveside oration, Ned Quinn, the current county board chairman, remembered a "friendly, mild mannered and courteous man....so long as Kilkenny's credentials were not called into question." He described Mr Murphy as a true blue Danesfort and Kilkenny man. Tommy was someone who couldn't stand around and do nothing. He was a doer and an achiever. Mr Quinn said rarely has such a deep sense of sadness and loss been felt throughout Co. Kilkenny as there was on Friday when the news came through that Tommy Murphy had lost his battle with an illness that he had borne with such great courage and dignity right to the end. "And so we gathered in Danesfort in large numbers on Saturday and again today (Sunday) to say our farewells to a friend and colleague, and to offer our sympathy and support to his loving wife, Marian, who has been such an immense support to Tommy, not just during his recent illness but throughout their married life. We offer our sympathies and support also to his daughter, Katie, and to his son, Paul, both of whom he idolised. "How proud he was last summer when he watched Paul play his part in helping Kilkenny to victory in the Tony Forristal hurling tournament. We offer sympathy also to his brothers, Timmy and Denis, and their families." "Tommy was born and lived all his life in Danesfort. His contribution to many local organisations, sporting and otherwise, are well known and it was considered a major advantage to have him on your team in any quiz competition." "But all will agree that his greatest contribution has been to the Gaelic Athletic Association which he served with unswerving loyalty both as a player and administrator for almost 40 years. He subscribed totally to the ethos of club an parish, and no rule or by-law was required to reinforce his membership of his beloved Danesfort club. In 1971 while still playing and at the comparatively young age of 22, he became secretary of the club, a position he held until 1985. In 1991, he became treasurer of the club, and only relinquished that position in 2002. The development and official opening of the club grounds would rank highly amongst his list of achievements during that time. "In recognition of his contribution, the club subsequently conferred the honour of life membership on Tommy. "In 1985, Tommy was elected chairman of the Northern Board. One year later, in 1986, he was elected to the highest office, that of county chairman. He was re-elected to that position in 1987 and 1988, a year when Kilkenny won minor and junior All-Ireland huring titles. "In 1989,Tommy was elected as Kilkenny delegate to the Leinster Council, a position he has held ever since. His last official function as a member of Leinster Council was earlier this year when he presented the Walsh cup to the victorious UCD team which included his nephew, Timmy. "In the years 1994, 1995, 1996, Tommy served on the Games Administration Committee in Croke Park. Throughout all of these years Tommy maintained the same friendly, mild mannered and courteous disposition. "On behalf of Kilkenny County Board, I wish to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Tommy Murphy to our association at all levels. May the sod of his beloved Danesfort rest softly on him." Tweet

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