The late Tony Murphy Tributes were paid at a meeting of Cork County council's Western Committee to the late Tony Murphy of Rosscarbery, who passed away last week. Carbery's preparations for the Cork County Senior Football Final were marred by news of the death of Tony, one of the finest players in the club's recent history. Tony (54) worked with Cork County Council at its Western Division headquarters in Clonakilty. He represented Cork at minor, U21, junior and senior levels and was a member of the last Carbery team to win the senior levels and was a member of he last Carbery team to win the senior county title in 1971, when Carbery defeated UCC in the final. Tony represented St. Augustines's College, Dungarvan, at both football and hurling in Munster Colleges. He won an All-Ireland minor football medal in 1968 when Cork beat Sligo and two years later he was a member of both the Cork U21 and junior teams that won their respective All-Ireland championships. He won a second U21 medal in 1971. At a meeting of the Western Committee Mr. Donal O'Rourke (FF) extended his sympathy to Tony's wife, Mary, and their four children - Nicola, Colin, Aisling and Darragh. Mr. O'Rourke, who attended primary school with Tony, said he was an unassuming man, who never offended anybody. "The crowds that turned out for the funeral speaks volumes, it was a tremendous show of solidarity for a decent person," he said. The Mayor of Cork County, Mr. P.J. Sheehan (FG) described Tony as an exemplary person, who carried out his work in a fair, good fashion. He would be sadly missed by all who knew him. "The victory of Carbery in the senior final on Sunday was a testament to who Tony Murphy was. He brought the county medal back with Carbery 33 years ago. his passing will be sadly felt." Biggest Mr. Christy O'Sullivan (Ind) said Tony had been most helpful at all times and Mr. Jim Daly (FG) extended his sympathy to Tony's family, adding that his funeral had been one of the biggest ever seen in the county. Mr. Joe Carroll (FF) said Tony was known as the gentleman of football, a man who always played fair and who never had his name taken during a game. Mr. Noel Harrington (FG) told his fellow councillors that Tony's father was originally from Castletownbere and Tony had had a great fondness for that part of the county. Mr Donal Casey (FF) described Tony as a gentleman who was "very mannerly". Senior Administrative Officer Jerome O'Sullivan, who had worked with Tony for many years, said it had been a difficult week for the council staff in Kent Street. They had understood the seriousness of his illness, but lived in hope that it would improve. it was not easy to deal with Tony's permanent absence. Tony was a dedicated worker, with a sense of wit and humour, who was exemplary in his work in keeping financial matters in check for the Local Government Auditor; "The extent of the Staff's grief is a testament to the esteem in which he was held. He will be greatly missed," he said. Courtesy of the Southern Star, October 2004. Tweet

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