There was much sadness across County Wexford following the death of Paddy (The Baker) murphy from 28 John Street, Enniscorthy who died on Tuesday, October 16. Paddy spent the last five months of his life in Valencia Nursing home, where in the words of his family, he received wonderful, tender loving care from the exceptionally kind staff'. Paddy died peacefully on Tuesday morning last, while holding his son's hand. Born in 1920, he spent the first few years of his young life in Galbally, Bree where his father worked as a steward on the Lett Estate. The family moved to Raheenduff, Oulart and purchased a farm from his bachelor uncle (The Baker) Cooney, who was a well known Oulart hurler. Paddy later stepped into his boots, taking on the name 'Baker' and in turn built a name for himself as a 'mighty man of valour' on the field. He was not one for taking hostages, and during his time of hurling his reputation preceded him. He was known as a fearless player who, when a ball would come within his range, he would reach up and grab it in the midst of swinging hurleys, even at the risk of injuries. Post match trips often entailed a visit to the doctors surgery for stitches, while on the way to Joe News Pub or Hall's restaurant for refreshments. Paddy hurled with Oulart until he married the love of his life, Ellen Mythen, from Tuber-na-mina, Blackwater. Paddy then moved to Blackwater and he joined the hurling team there, where in 1957 they won the County Final. At the end of his hurling career he moved to live in Enniscorthy. He was a skilled hurley maker, and during the mid to late 1960's he would band the Wexford team's hurleys. Most of the 1969 All Ireland team members were frequent visitors to Paddy's house in John Street to avail of this service. Paddy worked for the Health Board for many years as a maintenance man over the heating system in St. Senan's Hospital. After work he would go gardening for the local neighbours, and had a reputation for hedge shaping. Retirement never occurred to him until he reached the required age and the Health Board duly reminded him! Nevertheless, he continued in his second job, well beyond his 80's. On one occasion an elderly neighbour knocked on his door and asked him would he mind taking over her gardening because her gardener was 'gone too old'. Without hesitation he took on the job. Paddy is survived by his five sons, and three daughters - all living in County Wexford. He has 28 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. All of his grandchildren have wonderful memories of spending long summers with their nanny and grandad in their mobile home at Morriscastle. From the earliest ages Paddy had them treading the waves, building sandcastles and picking blackberries. At the age of 83 Paddy had an unwelcome visit from three young men, one Thursday morning at about 11am, who intended to rob him. Two of them pinned him down on the floor, while the third one searched his pockets for cash and keys. Paddy managed to free one hand and gave one of them an uppercut. They proceeded to get him up and locked him into a downstairs bedroom, which had a second door exit to the bottom of the stairs to look for Paddy's treasures. One of the three made a kick at him, but missed. Paddy responded by telling them he had called the Gardai, who were on their way. At that point they bolted out the door, and down the street in the direction of their awaiting parked car,, with Paddy in hot pursuit, shouting some of his own chosen adjectives after them. A Council worker, working near their car, said the three men 'fell in over each other getting into the car in such a hurry'. The three assailants were picked up by Gardai in Thomastown three hours later. A kind concerned neighbour came into Paddy some time later to see if he was ok. His reply was: 'if they return here, I'll like one of them'. One of Paddy's sons asked him: 'What did they say?' Paddy replied: ' They were three of those foreign fellows, I couldn't understand a word that they said'. The Gardai confirmed afterwards that two of the culprits were from Tallaght and the third was from Kilkenny. Paddy's remains were interred in Blackwater cemetery on Thursday, following Requiem mass in St. Aidan's Cathedral, Enniscorthy. Courtesy of the Wexford People. 24 October, 2007. Tweet

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