‘He was the gentlest of men’

Motorcyclist and dad-of-four Gary Murphy, who tragically lost his life following a road accident last week, was described at his Funeral Mass on Friday as “the gentlest of men” and a loyal son, brother, father and friend.

Addressing a large congregation of mourners who attended at the Cathedral of SS Patrick and Felim (January 5), Fr Jason Murphy, a relative of the deceased, reminded them of the fragility of life and that how, “in a breath all can change”, as it did the previous Tuesday afternoon (January 2).

Mr Murphy (48), of Garrymore, Ballinagh, and formerly St Martin’s Estate, was travelling home from Cavan Town when the motorbike he was travelling on was involved in a collision with a second vehicle on the N55 at Corlurgan outside Cavan Town.

On the cusp of his 49th birthday, he had just been to buy a new phone - a gift from his mum.

He’d spent the day before in the company of his youngest son Donnacha. “Simple and ordinary moments that one would take for granted,” suggested Fr Jason.

Mr Murphy, he said, was a person who revelled in the “simple things in the midst of the ordinary” - memories that mark a moment but last a lifetime.

Life and loves

Symbols of Mr Murphy’s “life and loves” were brought to the altar by friends and family.

Maeve, Gary’s second daughter, brought forward a picture of his children. Johnny McQuillan, a friend, carried Mr Murphy’s favourite biking helmet.

Other symbols carried were a patchwork quilt belonging to Mr Murphy’s late grandmother Nancy, a photograph of his dog Blade by his eldest son Oisin, and a Manchester United jersey by his youngest son Donnacha.

“As he did everyday”, on the day of his death, Mr Murphy had first called to the home of his adoring parents - Denis and Kitty.

“They loved him dearly as he did them, and as he loved his own children,” Fr Jason said.

A talented boxer in this youth, Fr Jason remembered his picture appearing in the back pages of The Anglo-Celt.

Both Gary and his younger sister Jenny competed in showjumping also, and were followed by their siblings, Noeleen, Siobhan, Declan and Sean.

As a young man, his cousin and “constant companion” was Roland Smith. “[They were] the dudes in our eyes. They had girls, they wore the leathers, and in years to come rode motorbikes,” said Fr Jason.

Though “donning the image” of a biker, Mr Murphy was “the gentlest of men and enjoyed the camaraderie of the lads as he took to the road of a Sunday afternoon giving him a sense of freedom, a sense of youthfulness that he cherished.”

Outside of biking, he enjoyed gardening, and listening to Kenny Rogers.

“A big child at heart”, Mr Murphy depended on those around him for support as much as they did him.

He had a capacity for friendship, was “open hearted”, and put people at their ease.

To his children - Sorcha, Oisin, Meadhbh, Donnacha - “He loved them more than anything in this world and would do anything for them. To them he was a faithful friend; a sure shelter; something beyond all price.”

A kind father with a huge heart

Mr Murphy’s daughter Sorcha paid an emotional tribute to her father following his tragic passing three days earlier. She told how her father’s sudden passing had left a deep void in the lives of so many. “I would do anything for one of his hugs right now. We have received so many messages in recent days and I have read hundreds of comments from his friends online and we are so comforted to know that so many people’s lives were touched by him. “He was a kind man with a huge heart, he would do absolutely anything for anybody at a moment’s notice.” She told the congregation that their father was “always just a phone call away”.

“We were his life and he told us that constantly,” she said, adding: “I hope you finally find peace and that heaven has a never-ending supply of tea for you.”

Following funeral mass, a cremation service was held in Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Road, Cavan.

Mr Murphy is survived by his children, their mother Lisa, parents, brothers and sisters, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many friends.

In the wake of his death hundreds of people have posted tributes and messages of support to Mr Murphy’s bereaved family.

Investigation

The investigation into Mr Murphy’s death is still “ongoing” say gardaí, who continue to appeal for any witnesses to come forward, including anyone who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N55 in the Corlurgan area at the time.

Mr Murphy’s death was the third to occur on Irish roads in just the first two days of this year.

Both other accidents occurred in Kildare - a male in his 20s and a woman in her 40s.