The late Pat Murphy There was a massive turn-out at the funeral of Faythe Harriers man, Pat Murphy of Corish Park, who gave a lifetime of service to the G.A.A. Pat, who was 73 years old, died at Wexford General Hospital after battling illness for about a year. A son of the late Nicholas and Bridie Murphy of Trinity Street, he is survived by his wife, Eileen: son, William, and daughters, Paula and Deirdre; his grandchildren, Dean, Shane, Louise, Laura and Josh: his sons-in-law, Brian and Eddie, his daughter-in-law, Lisa: his brothers, Kevin and Dick: his sisters, Nancy, Sally, Monica and Marie. He was predeceased by his brother, Nicholas who died many years ago. A mechanic by trade, Pat started his working career as an apprentice at the old Talbot Garage in Crescent Quay before getting a job as a mechanic to the South Slobs where he worked until the early 1980s. He then joined National Aluminium / National PVC where he worked for about four years until it closed in the mid-1980s when a group of employees bought the machinery in a workers' co-operative and established Capital Windows which is still trading. He retired in 2001 but still maintained an interest in the company. Pat Murphy wasn't just involved in the Faythe Harriers. He was the Faythe Harriers, first becoming Assistant Secretary about five years after its foundation in 1949. He then served as Secretary for about 25 years and was the club's Chairman for the past 20 years. One of his big achievements was the acquisition and development of Pairc Charman, a project which came into being after the original farmland went up for sale in the late 1970s. In need of grounds, a number of far-seeing clubs in Wexford town bought the land in conjunction with the County Board and a few prominent business men. Pat was also involved in the County Board. He was the Harriers County Board representative for about 30 years and served as County Treasurer for a number of years. A talented selector, he was involved in various selection committees. He was a selector on the last Wexford team to win a Minor All-Ireland Championship in 1968 and also for the Wexford Senior team beaten in All-Ireland finals in 1976 and in 1977. He was also a strong camogie promoter and was active in supporting the women's teams. The Faythe Harriers club was Pat's life and no task that benefited the club was beneath him. He was always to be found in Pairc Charman, putting up nets, marking out the pitches or painting fences. He loved to back a horse but he never drank alcohol and passed his healthy, tee-total example on to many younger members of the club who credited him with showing them a different outlook. Among them were Ned Buggy, Eddie Walsh and Willie Carley who delivered a nostalgic and loving eulogy at his funeral Mass in Bride Street Church last weekend. Willie, who was a young teenager when he met Pat in the late 1950s, said it was an absolute honour and a privilege to have gone through part of his life's journey with him. "You may well ask today where Pat is," said Willie. "I believe he is in heaven." Many people thought about doing things but Pat was a doer. Pat continued to be a well-respected mentor to young people in the club, turning up for winter training every Saturday morning in St.Joseph's Club. It was a source of huge pride to him when his grandson, Dean, aged 13, lined out with the Harriers at U-14 level. During the Mass, Dean and his cousin, Shane brought a hurl and a Harriers jersey to the altar. Other Offertory gifts included a vice-grips and a photograph of his five grandchildren, to whom he was entirely devoted. G.A.A. personalities and club members from all over County Wexford turned up to pay their respects to a man who exemplified the spirit of sporting volunteerism. In an appropriate farewell during the Requiem Mass, George Lawlor sang 'Cuchulainn's Son' which was written about Nickey Rackard. Courtesy of the Wexford People 15/11/06. Tweet

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