Murray, Phelim
June 30, 2005
The Late Phelim Murray
A legend in every sense of the word of Roscommon football was laid to rest. Phelim Murray, a key figure of the 1943 and 1944 All-Ireland senior football successes, took ill and died at St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin.
In his 83rd year Phelim spent most of his life in Dublin where he worked as an engineer.
A native of Knockcroghery, Phelim of course, was part of a much renowned football family. His brother Jimmy was captain of the two-in-a-row team and was known for his great leadership qualities.
Many lifelong followers of football were of the opinion that Phelim was a superb footballer. A skillful, classy player, he was very versatile, indeed the Sean Purcell of his era. He could play anywhere. In the '43 final he lined out at right-half forward alongside Jimmy who was centre-forward. In the '44 final he played at left-half back. In the '46 final he lined out at midfield and thus created a unique record - lining out in defence, midfield and attack in All-Ireland finals.
Indeed,this is a feat that has stood the test of time. Many have played in defence, midfield and attack through being switched off opponents. However, nobody apart from the late Phelim has worn the respective positional numbers for defence, midfield and attack in All-Ireland finals.
Phelim was younger than Jimmy and was part of Roscommon's minor success in 1939. He was a substitute for the 1940 All-Ireland junior success over Westmeath.
What was noteworthy about Phelim's career was that he achieved so much in such a short space of time. He called time on his intercounty career when most consider themselves to be in their prime - at 26 years of age - but he continued to play club football. St Patrick's were a force to be reckoned with in those days, winning six senior football titles. The Murrays played a big part in these successes.
Phelim won an All-Ireland Interprovincial College Championship in hurling with Connacht in 1941 and won titles in the same competition in football in the years 1940 and 1942. He also won two Connacht football titles with the CBS Roscommon.
After moving to Dublin the success continued on the football field. Phelim landed county championship medals and also successful in the Sigerson Cup. A student of UCD, Phelim played in the Sigerson Cup finals of 1943 and 1944. In the '43 final UCD were edged out by a point by UCC, a UCD team that also featured Donal Keenan. A year later, UCD got revenge with a 15 point victory over UCC, a game that was played jin Croke Park. Phelim wore the number 8 jersey in both finals and was again joined by Donal Keenan for the '44 final along with Frank Kinlough. He also played Railway Cup football but Connacht didn't enjoy any success in the 40s.
So another member of the great two-in-a-row team has gone to his glory. To many, Phelim Murray was regarded as one of the best all round footballers on the team.
Phelim is survived by his wife, Joan, son Phelim; daughters, Catherine (O'Reilly), Anne, Mary (Joy), Grace (Delahunt) Liz and Claire (Cullinane); sisters , Maura and Sue, brothers, Jimmy, Fr Paddy and Oliver, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral Mass was held in Star of the Sea Church, Sandmount.
At the All-Ireland football final last year the Murray brothers were honoured among the famous sets of brothers to win All-Irelands. Phelim was selected at left-half back on Roscommon's team of the Millennium.
May he rest in peace.
It was a very sad week for the Murray family with Phelim's death coming just three days after his brother Michael's. Michael,in his 87th year, late of Enniskillen, died on Sunday May 22nd. Phelim died the following Wednesday.
The late Michael, also a native of Knockcroghery, spent many years living in England before returning to Ireland to live in Enniskillen.
A retired doctor, he is sadly missed by his wife, Mary; brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The Funeral Mass was held in Irvinstown.
Courtesy of the Fermanagh Herald
1st June 2005
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