ENNIS’ DAVID MURPHY through his coaching instilled the values of enduring, friendship and belonging.

It was said that anyone who ever picked up a rugby ball in Ennis attended David’s funeral mass which took place on Friday morning. The service was led by Fr Michael Collins and Fr Ignatius McCormack who said David would soon be reunited with his mother Anna in heaven.

In a moving ceremony held at Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis, symbols were brought to the alter that told the story of David’s life up until his tragic passing due to complications from diabetes.

David was a stalwart of Ennis RFC as both a player and coach so it was no surprise a rugby ball was the first item brought before the coffin, symbolising his commitment to the club.

A family picture represented the bond that will never be broken, carried by David’s nephew Charlie. A teddy bear gifted to David’s niece Sadie followed, which Fr Collins said “represented the unconditional love that surrounded David during his life”. The final item presented was a spirit level, symbolising the deceased’s work ethic and his ability to keep things on an even keel.

David’s sister-in-law Sheena gave a reading from the Book of Timothy 4: 5-8 in her native Māori. She said of the deceased, “He fought the battle hard, he fought the race and he finished. Spare a thought for those that are left living as we celebrate his live. He fought the good fight”.

Sheena then delivered a traditional song known as a Moteatea, a hymn of lament for young people lost. The hymn “Haere ra e hika” (Farewell oh child) was sung with great enthusiasm and received rapturous applause from all those in attendance.

“A rugby ball, like life, can be unpredictable”, said Fr Collins. “Take a grubber kick that skips and bounces, we attempt to grab at it but if you attempt to grab at it or grasp it, invariably it ends up at a knock-on and you watch the ball slip away from you. Then there’s the pressure of the opposition bearing down on you which tempts you to look over your shoulder to focus on what’s not important. Tempting you to take your mind off the ball, and onto yourself. In some ways the trick is to have enough peace of mind to wait for that ball to bounce up and meet you”.

He added, the “ball of life had bounced over the dead ball line” and that David would soon be happily reunited with his mother Anna, a woman “not even Saint Peter” would dare cross. Fr. Collins joked that David’s dearly departed mother would soon be giving him “an unmerciful clip round the ear for all the stuff she wasn’t around for”, when the pair reunited.

David’s lifetime of work in Ennis RFC was praised throughout the mass. In recent years, David had worked as a youth officer within the club. Fr. Collins quoted from Paul O’Connell on his 2013 Lions Tour, summing up David’s attitude to life and rugby, “Let’s be the best at everything that requires no talent, chasing back, protecting teammates and promoting positivity”.

David’s brother Richard paid tribute to the friend he had lost, taking time to gather himself and addressing the young rugby players in attendance. “I see so many young people here today that Davy coached; that’s a testament to his uncompromising coaching style. It was all done with a view to challenge the kids to believe in themselves. Davy took great pride in that, pride in watching ye grow and thrive and puck a few heads maybe below in Limerick and Tipperary. One of the lads said to me last night in Patrick’s ‘I get it now, this is about more than just playing ball, this is about community, this is about shared endeavours, it’s about belonging, enduring friendships, something more than yourself. Davy lived by those values, and you, one and all, have reflected those values back”.

In a statement, Ennis RFC paid tribute to Davy who played with the club, was described as “a beloved youths officer” and coached the U18.5 boys team. “Davy, along with his parents Dickie and Anna, brothers Richard, Colin, and Bryan, and son Danny, have been pillars of our club for many years, contributing to every aspect of our community.

“Davy’s dedication to our club began at a young age, playing in all age grades with us and UL Bohs. After hanging up his boots, he continued to give back to the club, coaching and mentoring our youth players as a coach and Youth Officer. His loss will be deeply felt throughout our club for a long time to come. We stand in solidarity with his family and all past and present players who had the privilege of playing with or being coached by Davy”.

Related News

east clare memorial pat hayes
Hayes accusses Tipperary councillor of spreading 'misinformation' on Killaloe to Ballina pedestrianisation
sixmilebridge main st 2
Planning refused for 38 homes in Sixmilebridge
ballinasloe flood meeting 1-2
Ballinasloe flood relief scheme to enter planning next year
1 DSC_9388
'If he wants to stay he will' - seventh season likely for Lohan

Advertisement

Latest News
ballinasloe flood meeting 1-2
Ballinasloe flood relief scheme to enter planning next year
1 DSC_9388
'If he wants to stay he will' - seventh season likely for Lohan
ballymacaula 1
Plans lodged for Ennis' largest single-housing development
01052025_Council_Cliffs_of_Moher_0059
Rita represented West Clare 'with integrity & dignity' during term as Cathaoirleach
natasha o'brien 1
'I'd rather be difficult than be silent' - Natasha determined to speak out
Premium
waterford v clare minor 28-06-25 tommy kennedy ian o'brien ger o'connell 1
All-Ireland final defeat won't overshadow year for Clare minors
ennis homecoming 22-07-24 marty morrissey alan o'callaghan 2
'It was a year full of everything' - O'Callaghan looks back on term as Mayor of Clare
1 DSC_9466
'There's no way we're not going to go again' - O'Donnell says no decisions made but exits from Clare camp unlikely
brendan o'mara
Two Gardaí working full-time on case of €10m drug seizure involving Meelick ex Ryanair pilot
charge sheet 1
Ennistymon farmer tears up charge sheet in front of Garda where he is accused of year long harassment of neighbour

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement