Ballinrobe GAA club regrets to announce the death of a loyal and popular member of our club, Michael John Murphy, New Street, Ballinrobe, a former recipient of our Hall of Fame award. A native of Kilmaine, Michael John became actively involved in all aspects of the club’s operations when he moved to live in Ballinrobe. He was groundsman at Flanagan Park, Ballinrobe, for many years, and took great pride in ensuring that the club’s playing and off-field facilities were always of the highest standard. One of his major contributions to our club was his overseeing of the development of our new dressingrooms, and the Peter Browne Memorial Stand, in the mid 1980s. Additonally, Michael John was a strong supporter of the club’s fund-raising activities and was a reliable seller of a considerable number of tickets for our weekly draws. Local referees including Christy O’Haire (RIP), Martin Murphy, Sean Murphy and Padraic Costello were always able to count on Michael John when they needed an umpire for club and inter-county games. He would always bear a calm and unflustered demeanour regardless of the importance of the game or the closeness of the exchanges. Members of his family also lend their support to the club in a variety of ways. As a mark of respect to Michael John, tonight’s (Monday) 50:50 draw has been postponed until next Monday night, when it will be held in Luke Carney’s Bar. In a broader community context, Michael John was heavily involved in the building of An Sportlann (now Lakeside Sport & Fitness Club) in the early 1980s. The club will form a guard of honour to give a fitting send-off to a veteran club member who cared deeply about our fortunes. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Reposing at Cummin’s Funeral Home Ballinrobe on Tuesday evening from 5 o’clock with removal at 8 o’clock to St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 1 o’clock with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery. House private. Michael John is predeceased by his wife Teresa and daughter Helen. He is survived by his sons Joseph, Michael, John, Gerard; daughters Ann, Marian, Bernadette, Angela, Therese; sons-in-law John Slone, Gabriel Heneghan, Michael Robinson, James Dooley, Tom Conlon, Miko Gibbons; daughters-in-law Carmel, Dolores, Maureen, Gillian; brother Patrick; sister Margaret; nephews; nieces; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; relatives; neighbours and a large circle of friends. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and his wide circle of friends. May he rest in peace. Declan Corcoran, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club
