‘The one good thing is we’re united’

THE true horror of Ireland’s continued road carnage was nowhere more apparent than in Cork yesterday where tears streamed down the faces of mourners at the funeral of a young man cut down in his prime.

As the football anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone, played, the remains of 22-year-old Michael Murphy was shouldered from a church in Co Cork yesterday afternoon.

The coffin was draped with a flag depicting his beloved Anfield stadium, a Liverpool jersey, the jersey of his local soccer team Castlebridge Celtic AFC, and his soccer boots.

Mr Murphy, a bricklayer, died last Sunday night in a crash on the outskirts of Fermoy. The accident also claimed the life of his friend and fellow Castlelyons man, James Sexton.

A guard of honour was formed outside St Nicholas’ Church, Castlelyons by members of the local soccer and GAA clubs. Joining them in a display of solidarity were James Sextons’ brothers, Declan and Leo.

More than 1,000 people attended the funeral, including Cork County Board GAA chairman Mick Dolan and secretary Frank Murphy.

Castlelyons parish priest Fr Michael Madden said that every day people read notices of grief in the newspapers but that grief mostly visited places other than Castlelyons.

“We’re all struggling and we don’t know what to say.

“But the one good thing is we’re united in our support for one another,” said Fr Madden.

He said that Michael had believed in his Lord and saviour. “That belief underpinned his life and conduct,” said Fr Madden.

He also mentioned Michael’s love of soccer, hurling and hunting. He said Michael had a great camaraderie with his workmates and friends.

“We can’t answer now why he was taken. But we can confidently entrust his soul into God’s care forever,” said. Fr Madden.

Among the gifts brought forward in the offertory procession was a picture taken last Friday of Michael Murphy in a nine-a-side soccer tournament. It was the last picture taken of him and the side also included James Sexton, aged 19.

The chief mourners included Michael’s parents, Jerry and Mary, brothers, JJ, Chris and John-Paul along with sisters Karen and Mary.

A very large crowd also attended the removal last night of James Sexton from the chapel at St Patrick’s Hospital, Fermoy to St Nicholas’ Church, Castlelyons.

Among them were a number of players from Cork City FC.

James, who had played at under-15 level for the Republic of Ireland, had been a regular in Cork City’s under-21 side.

He will be buried today following 2.30pm requiem Mass at St Nicholas’ Church, Castlelyons.