Former Westmeath footballer Mick Murphy passes

There was genuine sadness in the Westmeath GAA community when news emerged of the passing of former Lake County footballer, Mick Murphy, at the age of 82.

A native of Ballymacartan, Moyvore, and a proud servant of both Ballymore and Westmeath football, Mick died peacefully on December 29 at Peamount Hospital. His death, sadly, occurred just six months after the passing of his beloved wife, Anne. He was someone who was well regarded in GAA circles and he made many friends during his playing years with club and county.

A former member of An Garda Síochána, Mick dedicated most of his professional life to serving the communities of Rathcoole, County Dublin, and Celbridge, County Kildare. Residing in Newcastle, County Dublin, he and Anne raised a family of three children – Samantha, Niamh, and John.

Though his professional and family life took him to Dublin, Mick’s heart always remained firmly rooted in his native Westmeath.

Mick was a towering figure in the GAA, both at club and county level, and his contributions to the game will long be remembered. He captained Ballymore to their historic Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship title in 1972, when they defeated Tang in the final, 3-4 to 1-8.

That triumph was made all the more special as Mick shared the pitch with his brothers, Joe, Ollie, and Jimmy – the latter of whom passed away earlier in January 2024. Mick also played in Ballymore’s 1965 senior county final, where they were narrowly defeated by Athlone on a 2-7 to 0-6 scoreline.

Mick’s early days in football began at Ballymore National School, where he first kicked a rubber ball on the school grounds. His dedication and passion for the sport were evident even in his youth, as he devised imaginative scoring systems during training and honed his skills with the Maryland-Ballymore fitness contingent in Tullamore.

His leadership and commitment would later see him become a pillar of the Ballymore team throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

At county level, Mick’s footballing journey was equally distinguished. He represented Westmeath minors for three consecutive years (1958–1960), showing early promise as a goalkeeper. His progression to the senior ranks came soon after, and he made his National Football League debut in November 1961, facing off against Pat ‘Red’ Collier of Meath in Cusack Park.

A consummate goalkeeper, Mick was known for his shot-stopping ability, precise kick-outs, and commanding leadership on the field. Among his standout moments with Westmeath was their victory over Offaly during the 1965/66 league season in Athlone. Another unforgettable highlight came in 1967, when Mick was part of the Westmeath team who defeated Dublin in the Leinster Senior Football Championship, a historic 1-6 to 0-8 triumph in Tullamore.

The 1969 season was another memorable chapter in Mick’s career. Westmeath had a strong run in the National League that year, culminating in a semi-final clash against Kerry at Croke Park. While the team fell short against the Kingdom, Mick’s contributions were widely lauded.

That same year, he stood between the posts during Westmeath’s gruelling Leinster championship replay defeat to Offaly in Navan, a match that left many of the players, including Mick, physically drained.

Despite those disappointments, Mick’s passion for the game and his pride in wearing the maroon and white never wavered. He remained a dedicated servant to the GAA, inspiring countless young players and earning the respect of team-mates and opponents alike.

Mick’s commitment to his family was as steadfast as his dedication to football.

He is survived by his daughters Samantha and Niamh, both of whom reside in London, and by his son John, who lives in Dublin. He was a cherished grandfather to Alex, Ryan, Christian, Marcus, and Jack.

He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law Fionagh, as well as his brothers, sisters, extended family, and friends.

His funeral Mass took place on Friday January 3, at St Finian’s Church, Newcastle, followed by burial in Esker Cemetery. The large attendance was a testament to the high regard in which Mick was held by all who knew him.

Mick Murphy’s legacy as a footballer, family man, and proud Westmeath native will endure in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.