Tributes flow after death of well-known Fermanagh referee
January 02, 2025
Fermanagh GAA has paid tribute to the late John Murphy
Fermanagh GAA is in mourning following the death of well-known football referee John Murphy.
A hugely respected member of the Derrygonnelly Harps club, Mr Murphy passed away on New Year's Eve after a battle with illness.
Tributes have poured in for him since, with the Harps club releasing the following on social media yesterday:
“Last night and this morning, club members heard the so sad news that John Murphy had passed away after his illness, a cancer diagnosis typically bravely borne by him,” the statement read.
”We are just so sorry for John, one of our best liked and popular members, a brilliant Harps man in so many different ways. We knew this day was coming, but that does not make it any less difficult and just pure sad.
“Whatever about our sadness, we know the anguish and sense of loss for his wife Aine, his parents, his brother, his sister, his children and for his whole family is even keener. Everyone involved with the club extends their most heartfelt sympathies to them.”
Fermanagh LGFA also paid tribute to Mr Murphy saying: “John was such a force of nature. Strong-willed & good hearted and humoured, determined and fiercely loyal to the core.
"After meeting the love of his life, Aine, at a Ladies Referees course all those years ago, John got involved with Fermanagh LGFA, helping out with organising fixtures, goalkeeper mentorship, gate collections at matches, trophy presentations, helping with hospitality, or in any way he could or was needed. John was your man.
"He worked diligently in the background for the betterment of Fermanagh Ladies, right up to the end of this season as our Referee Appointments Officer, our CODA Officer, as well as match referee.
"To his beloved wife Aine, his parents Sean and Annette, siblings Patrick and Janette, his children, his in-laws Vincent and Geraldine Martin, his entire family circle, his circle of friends and Derrygonnelly Harps club mates, we keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this truly heartbreaking time and forever."
— Fermanagh GAA (@FermanaghGAA) January 1, 2025Tweet
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