THIS week, a truly great man passed from this life, beginning a new journey to heaven.
John Murphy, Ballywilliamroe, Bagenalstown was an inspirational and wonderful disciple of the Lord. His death comes after an enormous battle with terminal cancer; a battle he resolutely faced with resilience, determination, hope and great faith – qualities that were indicative of his gentle and profound spirit, throughout a most active and accomplished 54 years of life.
Getting to know and love John was a source of great nourishment for me personally. In a time of disillusionment and burden, felt by many, John was an icon of hope. His gratitude for his wonderful wife, children and family was greatly felt by him in his final days. Spending time with his family was a priority that he gave earnestly in a generous and most loving fashion.
For more than 30 years, John personified all that is good in his true vocation as a secondary school teacher. Teaching was a way of life for John. He was a gifted teacher, and he taught geography with enthusiasm and clarity. His students blossomed and achieved tremendous success when his advice was taken on board.
John cultivated a personal relationship with all of his students. He truly cared for everyone that he ever taught. This wonderful dynamic makes John legendary for all those who were privileged to have been taught by this humble and gentle teacher in the Presentation/de la Salle College, Bagenalstown.
Legends stand out. Legends remain active and alive in the memory of those who are inspired by their dynamic and gifted presence. This is certainly true for John Murphy. As an educator, he passionately believed that we can achieve great things when we put a genuine effort into the task at hand.
To be a genius takes one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.
Hard work and real effort result in growth and success. John’s gifted life has, in so many ways, produced many generations of young students who were capable, diligent, confident and successful. John’s genius was something that he generously shared. In so doing, our lives have been enriched and improved by the quality and depth of this great prophet and teacher.
John’s faith was a source of comfort and consolation throughout his life. Christ was alive in the midst of the ordinary for John. His faith fuelled his immense generosity. He unashamedly gave witness to the power of prayer in his battle with cancer.
In the spring, I remember John pointing to his rosary beads, as he gave witness to his faith in the middle of a leaving cert geography class. John Murphy increased my faith in Jesus Christ. His simplicity mirrored the “Good Teacher” – Jesus of Nazareth. May his gentle and kind soul be rewarded with life eternal.
Every legend’s mission continues. In this regard, may the Lord mind and protect our young students who will soon return to school. Wherever we find ourselves, may we, like John, appreciate the gift of every day and live life to the full. John has “fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith”.