All in Carrick Swan club were shocked and deeply saddened when we heard the news that Noel Murphy had passed away suddenly at a relatively young age.
Noel was a lovely genuine man who endeared himself to everyone he met in life and he will be missed by many. He always had the Swan clubs interests at heart, he was a staunch supporter of the club through thick and thin.
Noel’s passing immediately brought back memories of a period in the clubs history when a fine young team was emerging to lead the club out of the doldrums. A team in which a youthful Noel Murphy was instrumental.
Noel won a minor hurling championship in 1969 when Swan beat the combination team of Mullinahone/Ballingarry in the south final. He then went on to win three U21 hurling titles in 1971/1972/1973 beating Carrick Davins (twice) and Ballingarry respectively in the south deciders.
Noel unfortunately missed out on the county final in 1972 when a bad hand injury suffered in the county semi-final ruled him out of action. But he had done more than enough in previous games to ensure his team reached the holy-grail that day in Semple Stadium.
Noel mainly played in the full forward position and he loved the ‘dropping ball’. In fact it was this ‘dropping ball’ which gained him legendary status in the Swan Club as he was a fearless competitor.
Picture the scene, the south senior hurling final of 1974 against our great rivals and reigning champions Carrick Davins, a packed Davin Park, miserable wet day, the game is in the melting pot, Swan get a ‘seventy’ the ball is sent in to the crowded opposing goalmouth and the ‘dropping ball’ is despatched to the net somehow by the gallant Noel Murphy, the famine is over, Swan are champions at last. Noel’s place in the clubs history is assured.
But apart from Noel’s sporting achievements it was his kindness to his fellow man that set him apart from others and he became a great confidant to many who needed his support.
To Noel’s heartbroken family, his wife Tina, daughters Lynn, Helena and Sarah, brother and sisters, sons in law, grandchildren and extended family again we offer our deepest sympathy.
Funeral arrangements as follows,
Reposing in his home 41 Clairin on Saturday from 2-7pm, removal on Sunday morning to St Nicholas Church for his funeral mass at 11.30am, followed by burial in St Mary’s Cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.
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