The funeral of Sligo GAA star Red Og Murphy has heard he was “an outstanding and gifted athlete” whose presence put a smile on people’s faces and he brightened everyone’s day.
The 21-year-old, who was studying primary school teaching at DCU, died tragically last Friday leaving his family, friends and the entire GAA community absolutely devastated.
A talented and gifted footballer, Red Og played for Curry GAA, Sligo Minors, Sligo Under 20s and Sligo Senior team as well as with DCU where he was studying Primary School teaching. He also spent eight months playing Australian Rules with North Melbourne in 2019.
READ MORE: Heartbreaking tributes to ‘role model’ Sligo footballer Red Og Murphy after sudden death aged 21
Chief celebrant Fr Leo Henry, parish priest of Moylough in Sligo told mourners at the funeral Mass held in St Patrick’s Church, Moylough, that Red Og was “ a special person with charisma in abundance and a towering physical presence.”
“He was courteous and respectful and had a special gift of having time for everyone and was a role model for many,” said Fr Henry, adding that although he led a short life it will leave a lasting legacy due to his achievements.
He said the tragic death of Red Og was “sudden, unexpected and untimely that has stunned and shocked all of us and so many others across our country and his death has left a huge void in the local community.
Fr Henry urged all young people to make a pledge to “talk about your feelings, express your anger, vent your rage,” and said there is help there for anyone who needs it.
“Please make a pledge with your best friend to tell them if you are feeling unwell, and your best friend will do the rest, they will act immediately and get you the help you need,” said the priest.
“It’s ok not to be ok. It’s ok to ask for help. You are our precious future. You are the salt of the earth. Bring into the open unanswered questions and sometimes there is a need for professional help with counselling.
"There are so many agencies out there waiting for your call, waiting to provide you with the help and the support you need,” Fr Henry said.
Fr Henry told Red Og’s heartbroken parents Geraldine and Redmond, his two brothers Oisin and Dathai, his girlfriend Rachel Jackson, his extended family and all those in attendance at the funeral, including former classmates, his GAA teammates, DCU team mates and his fellow students from DCU, that “Red Og was loved, cherished and adored by so many people across so many boundaries.”
“He was a presence that brightened your day. He achieved so much in his 21 years that may well take others four-score-years-and-ten to achieve," he said.
Symbols of Red Og’s life including his football boots and football, a crucifix he made in secondary school, a family photo, a textbook to show his love for his chosen career as a primary school teacher, his All Star Sigerson Cup award, were brought to the altar by family members while his girlfriend Rachel brought a pair of fancy socks to the altar as Red Og “liked his style and fashion.”
Red Og’s former teacher and coach from St Attracta’s Community School Colm McGee told mourners in the Eulogy that the 21-year-old left a lasting impression on people and he meant so many things to so many people.
Mr McGee recalled how Red Og always wanted to better himself and even after scoring 3-11 out of 3-15, the first comment he asked afterwards was “What can I do better?”.
“I thought he was joking but he genuinely wanted to know. He had an elegance and an ease on the ball and weaved his magic.”
“One of his club mates said earlier in the week, some of the stuff he did just had to be seen to be believed. His beautiful left foot. His ability to stay in the air and field high balls. His fitness levels, his squeaky clean boots and his very, very questionable haircuts. He just didn’t accept the mediocre from himself. He propelled himself and the teams he was a part of to new heights,” said Mr McGee.
“He reached heights that most of us can only aspire to and in doing so he inspired everyone he came in contact with, young and old,” he continued.
Mr McGee also urged people to “lean on someone in your time of need. Share your nagging thoughts.
“Let us use words for good, let us use words to build people up instead of knocking people down.
“Communicate, talk and listen, empathise with people, share your thoughts, care for one another,” he said.
Following the funeral Mass, Sean Og’s burial took place in Bunnacrannagh Cemetery, Curry in Sligo.
READ MORE: Kieran Donaghy pays touching tribute to Red Og Murphy
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