The late Jimmy Murphy The death has taken place of Jimmy Murphy, Ballyburke, a former member of the nursing staff of St Mary's Hospital Castlebar. Son of the late Alice and Michael Murphy, Glenisland, Castlebar, Jim was brought up in a caring family environment which fuelled him to choose his career as a psychiatric nurse. His 33-year working career as a nurse was spent in St Mary's Hospital, Castlebar where he was held in high esteem by both his nursing colleagues and patients. On February 15, 1966, he married Helen Hoban in Islandeady Church and the couple were blessed with four children. Jim was dedicated to his family, always encouraging them to achieve their goals in life through dedication and commitment. When it came to political loyalty, Jim was decisive as as he gave his whole support to the Fine Gael Party. Within the party, he was a dedicated worker and had a deep understanding of the proportional representation voting system. During post-election counts in the Royal Ballroom, Castlebar, Jim was always present monitoring the progress of Fine Gael candidates as he analysed tally figures. In his heart he held a strong love for or Gaelic football and was an ardent supporter of the Mayo team. As a young man he teamed up with many other volunteers to give their time generously working for the development of McHale Park, Castlebar. In fact he excelled on the football field himself as he played with St Mary's Hospital football team. One of the highlights in his football career was the day he played in Croke Park in an inter-hospital final. He enjoyed working on his farm in Ballyburke and he loved the spring time of the year when he, along with his wife, Helen prepared the garden for the spring sowing of potatoes and vegetables. His knowledge of the equine world was indeed great as he enjoyed studying the form of horses running in carious races. When it came to local family genealogy, he excelled as he drew on his reservoir of vast knowledge on inter-family relationships. A number of years ago he was appointed a Peace Commissioner. Jimmy's life turned on the pivot of the clock of time. For every event whether it was going to a meeting, attending Mass, or going to work Jimmy always allowed sufficient time for the journey. The familiar sight of him driving steadily and carefully along the roads in his Volkswagen Beetle bore testimony to a man who believed that it was always better to drive safely and arrive at his destination in plenty of time. During his leisure time he enjoyed playing a game of darts and his proficiency at the game was evident by the numerous cups, plaques and trophies which adorned his home in Ballyburke. Jim, through his affable and unassuming personality, endeared himself to may people whether it was in his work place, attending a football match or in social setting. It was fitting that the love and affection he radiated to so many people was returned to him as many of his friends came to visit him in Mayo General Hospital and in the Scared Heart Hospital during his time of illness and on both days of his funeral. Members of the Fine Gael party formed a guard of honour as the funeral left Coady's Funeral Home, Castlebar en route for St Patrick's Church, Killawalla where the funeral was received by his neighbour and friend. Fr Tommy Lyons, Ballyburke. During the Mass, Fr Lyons recalled his own fond memories of Jim and paid tribute to his strong family and Christian qualities. Fr Jack Garvey officiated at the removal liturgy at the end of his Requiem Mass. The first lesson, during the Mass, was read by Sr. Paul Hoban and the second Reading was read by Helen Flannelly. The Prayers of the Faithful were prayed by Patricia Flannelly, Mairead Lavelle, Eamon Brogan, Lance Flanelly, Christina Murphy and Joshua Murphy. For the offertory procession the gifts were carried to the altar by John Murphy, Maria Murphy, Joshua Murphy, Zachary Murphy and Oisin Murphy. To his wife Helen (nee Hoban), sons Jim (London) and John (Ballyburke), daughters Helen (Castlebar), daughter-in-law Christian Murphy (London); sister-in-law Sarah Brogan, Josie Jennings, Sr Paul Hoban, Sr Margaret Hoban, Kitty Hoban, Maura McKenna, Annie Heffernan and Nora Lyons, and his many other relatives and friends, we extend our sincerest sympathies. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Courtesy of The Mayo News 02/08/2006 Tweet

Most Read Stories