Photo: The late Johnny Kierans, Jack Gogarty, Dessie Murray RIP, Padraic Kierans
One of Drogheda’s most loved GAA stalwarts Dessie Murray has passed away at 76 years of age.
The lifelong Newtown Blues clubman died in the Lourdes Hospital, surrounded by his wife Patsy, and children Catherine, Fiona, and James, yesterday.
He had bravely been fighting an illness for a couple of years but never let it stop him from turning up at the Blues field a couple of nights a week.
Originally from Marian Park, Dessie lived most of his life with Patsy in Glenmore Drive, where he was much loved and respected by neighbours and friends alike.
A keen racegoer Dessie travelled the country and the world attending races meeting from his annual visit to Cheltenham with his friends from Hanratty’s pub every year, to the Grand National in Aintree, and the Breeders Cup all over America.
His knowledge of racing was incredible and no matter where he went he always managed to find a winner.
His close friends Liam ” Jem” O Neill, Davy Byrne, Tony Byrne, Martin Smith and John Carolan, used to call him the ” Minister for Handshakes” because no matter where he ever went from cheering winners at Cheltenham to Killarney or the Galway Races he knew the owners and trainers alike.
He had a great circle of friends from across the UK that he would meet in Cheltenham every year and they in turn would come visit him in Drogheda.
A big fit athletic man ,Dessie played full back for Louth under manager Jimmy Mulroy in the seventies. He also played rugby with Delvin and the McDonnells factory rugby team where he worked all his life up until his retirement in his mid-fifties.
He was part of the great Newtown Blues 1981 team that did the championship and league double.
In a statement the Blues said:”Newtown Blues GFC is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our former player, clubman, and lifelong friend, Dessie Murray.
” Dessie was an outstanding servant to our club and a central figure during a proud era in our history. On the field, he was defined by his exceptional skill, unwavering commitment, and a natural leadership that inspired both his teammates and the supporters on the sidelines. He represented the sky blue and white with immense distinction throughout his career.
” Most notably, Dessie was an integral part of the legendary 1981 Senior Championship winning team. That same year, the squad secured the Cardinal O’Donnell Cup, completing a historic double for the club. 1981 remains a cornerstone of our history, remembered fondly not just for the silverware, but for the team’s famous trip to New York, a journey that forged lifelong bonds among Dessie and his teammates, memories of which are still cherished today.
“Beyond his sporting achievements, Dessie was a true gentleman and a pillar of the Drogheda community. He was always generous with his time and provided valuable support to the club and its members. His presence on our sidelines will be profoundly missed, but his contribution to the fabric of Newtown Blues GFC will never be forgotten.
“We extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Patsy, his daughters Catherine and Fiona, his son James, his grandchildren, and his extended family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Dessie’s remains will be reposing at Townley’s Funeral Home on Saturday from 4 to 7pm and Sunday from 3 to 6pm.
His funeral mass will take place at 11.30am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Easter Monday – ironically the day of the Irish Grand National, a race he rarely missed. Burial afterwards will be to Newtown Cross Lawns cemetery.
