The recent death of Christy Murphy brought back memories of one of St. Patrick’s Rowing Club’s best skiff rowing crew circa 1949. This crew had many successes along the east coast stretching from Ringsend to Arklow and was made up of two sets of brothers; Thomas and Seamus Murphy and Christy and Paddy Murphy, the coxswain was Thumbs Murphy.
During this time each regatta would draw big crowds with the big one in Wicklow on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
Christy came from Whelan House and his family were very respected in the area. He married Laura McDonnell and eventually moved to Tonlegee Road in Coolock. At his funeral a Guard of Honour with oars raised took place in the Church yard by St. Patrick’s Rowing Club. Betty, his sister and his brothers Paddy and Liam were present.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
May his faithful soul be at the right hand of God.
by Jimmy Purdy
