Murphy, Michael
May 31, 2005
The Late Michael Murphy
Tsunami victim, Michael Murphy who died thousands of miles away from home was buried in his native Blackwater four months after the disaster.
Hundreds of people including former school and college pals attended his funeral Mass in Blackwater Church which was concelebrated by his newly-ordained cousin, Fr Brian Whelan who was one of about fifty cousins in attendance.
The President of Ireland Mary McAleese was represented by Commandant Leslie Costello who was escorted into the church by his chaplain for the ceremony, Fr Hugh O'Byrne. Before the Mass began, he sympathised in turn with each member of Michael's family.
Michael's body was flown into Dublin from Thailand and arrived in Blackwater after a post-mortem examination had to be postponed until Friday morning.
At the removal of the remains Fr O'Byrne expressed the community's sense of relief at the long-awaited finding of Michael's body and said it was great to 'have our native son back at last in his own parish".
He said everyone was hoping against hope that he would be found alive and well. This was not to be and after four long months of uncertainty, it was a huge relief that his body was returned to his family for burial in his native place.
Fr. O'Byrne appealed to everyone, particularly the media, to show sensitivity and not be shooting cameras in people's faces when they were at their lowest.
He said afterwards that he had received a very positive response from his parishioners to this comment.
Speaking about Michael, Fr O'Byrne said he was of Blackwater's brightest young lads. The parish priest talked about being ready when you are called and though he was only 23 years old, he had lived a full life for his age.
Michael's coffin was draped in the green and gold jersey of St. Brigid's Club in Blackwater with which the played throughout his school life.
At the end of the Mass, Michael's brothers, Paul and Kevin both paid emotional tributes to him and read poems.
Courtesy of the Wexford People
11th May 2005
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