Sports hall to commemorate young hurler

MICHAEL MURPHY was just 18 when he died following a freak hurling accident in south-east Clare three years ago.

The tragic death happened during an U21 match when Michael collapsed after being struck by a hurley on the neck as he tried to hook an attempted clearance. He died from a burst aneurysm.

Today Junior Transport Minister Jim McDaid will turn the sod in Michael’s native Cratloe at a new community sports hall being built in his memory.

The Murphy family and the Cratloe GAA development committee have worked since August 2001 to raise funds for the hall.

“This is a triumph over the sadness. This project helped us carry on in difficult times and gives us all hope for the future,” said Michael’s mother Eileen.

“We know Michael is in a better place, doing what God took him for and we also know we will meet with him again, at God’s will.”

She said the project is about the entire community working together to build a hall in Michael’s memory.

“They say things get easier with time but that’s not true. However, something like this helps everyone.

“Yes my children and I are involved, but no more than any member of the wonderful Cratloe community.

“The day after his death he knocked Tiger Woods off the front page. I think he would have been proud of that accomplishment,” said Ms Murphy.

Today’s visit by Dr Jim McDaid will mark the beginning of fundraising for the second phase of the project.

The hall, on the grounds of Cratloe GAA pitch, received €150,000 in Lottery funding and the remaining €160,000 was raised by the local community.

“Hurling was Michael’s life and he died as he would have wished on the hurling field. This will keep his memory alive,” said Ms Murphy.