'A kind soul' - Tributes for Mayo farmer with 'love of livestock

Johnny Murphy, Seefin, Hollymount, who died recently in Castlebar Hospital, was a member of a well known and highly regarded farming family in the region. He was in his 80s and was truly one of the kind and gentle souls of the Garrymore area.

Along with his brother Michael and his late brother Tom, more affectionately known as Ted, Johnny was involved in the farming scene and also going out on hire to farms all around the region in former years.

The Murphy brothers were in great demand for their machinery services that included cutting hay and baling silage and drawing home turf for so many people around this area. They were loyal and dependable and great working men who rendered immense service to the community in those times.

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The brothers had a wonderful knowledge of the livestock business and always brought the finest of cattle to the marts in Ballinrobe. Johnny loved these days in the company of the farming fraternity and always felt at home in the company of a special generation of rural people.

He was a kind, friendly and generous gentleman who had a word for everyone and who loved his community. He was an ardent supporter of Garrymore all down the years and enjoyed many great days through the peaks and the valleys of this famous south Mayo club.

Local man, Frank Mannix, said that Johnny and his brothers were good workers and great farmers: “They were very obliging lads and they did everything together. They were such a part of the rural community in this area over the years. When they came to a farm to do a job, it was always done well. They were very honourable people.”

Martin Walsh from Farmhill said he had many dealings with Johnny over the years in the mart business: “I always found him honest, honourable and a real genuine person with a wonderful love of livestock and above all he was a brilliant judge. Johnny, you were one of the best.”

Reposing was in Carey's Funeral Home, Ballindine, with removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Crossboyne. Burial took place in the local cemetery following Mass celebrated by Fr Seán Flynn, Parish Priest.

Johnny will be sadly missed by his brother Michael, sisters Evelyn (Chicago), Maureen and Pauline, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephew, relatives, neighbours and friends.

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