Sculpture to be unveiled in memory of Jimmy Murray

By David Flynn

World War 2 was at its height when Jimmy Murray captained the Roscommon team which twice, back to back, took home the Sam Maguire to their county and for that and more, Jimmy is considered a legend, particularly in his native Knockcroghery almost two decades after his death.

The unveiling of a limestone monument, in the village green, in honour of Jimmy will take place over the weekend of November 30 to December 1.

There was a special media launch for the event last Friday night at Jimmy’s public house premises, ‘Murrays of Knockcroghery’ to outline the events of the weekend, which includes a historical talk by Tony Conboy about the Roscommon GAA team in the winning years of 1943 and 1944.

There will also be a historical talk by Regina Donlon about the general history of the area at that time. The Saturday night talks will be followed by music at Murrays.

The following day, Sunday, there will be a remembrance mass for the team-mates of the 1943/44 team and their families, in St Patrick’s Church at 12.30pm.

It will be followed by a parade of representatives of the 32 clubs of Roscommon, led by the Artane Band to the village green, where there will be a recital and speeches by the President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns and the monument sculptor, Mark Feeley among others, which will be followed by the unveiling of the statue.

At the media launch on Friday night last in Murrays, Matt Rogers acted as MC on behalf of the family, and shared the details of the memorial weekend.

“The monument will be set in the village green, where Jamesie kicked his first football,” said Matt. “He encouraged all the underage footballers and hurlers and we were very fortunate to have him as a mentor growing up. We always knew Jamesie was something special.”

He introduced committee member, Thomas Murray (a young cousin of Jimmy), who also worked in the bar in previous times.

Thomas said that he and Tommy Fallon discussed many times ways to honour Jimmy Murray, and that now was the right time.

“We discussed it with the family, and they were delighted, we had a public meeting, and then all guns blazing, we set up a committee,” he said. “Mark Feeley has been fantastic all the way and has done spectacular work, his attention to detail is second to none and people will be happy when they see the monument.”

He talked about the ownership of the site being in the trusteeship of the Church of Ireland, and about how the community there were “hugely helpful”.

They did some fundraising, obtained a grant from Roscommon County Council, and fund raised through a golf classic, a Vintage Cars and Tractor run in Knockcroghery and an on-going idonate page, Jimmy Murray Memorial.

“It’s going to be a fun packed weekend and we’d encourage as many people as possible to be part of the weekend of commemoration,” said Thomas.

Matt Rogers further told the gathering that there will be a memorial booklet to mark the event.

Local historian Tony Conboy told the group in Murray’s Bar that Jimmy was the heartbeat of Roscommon football, and that his memory has prevailed and this memorial will provide a visible striking reminder of what Jimmy and his teammates achieved.

Sculptor Mark Feeley told a poignant story about his father having died of cancer aged 58, and about how one night before he passed, he and a friend went to Murrays, and came home very happy.

“He said that Jimmy gave them a few pints and a song, and they felt ten foot tall,” said Mark. “Jimmy was obviously a generous man, who made Dad happy at a tough time.”

The sculptor said that he was told that Jimmy, on the pitch, was noted for his anticipation and his distribution and he made a team cohesive. He knew the design of the sculpture had to be Jimmy in his prime on the field.

“He would have to be catching the ball, knowing were the ball is going, like a general on a battlefield, commanding the whole thing, and I think it works,” said Mark. “Almost in a way, it’s like payback to Jamesie for what he did for my Dad.”

John Murray, son of Jamesie Murray gave a special thanks to the committee for the work that they have done.

“I wish you all well and that you’ll all be there on the day,” said John.