Death of Colm Murphy - October 28th 2022
Colm Murphy R.I.P.
Cork and Gravesend, UK
1956 - October 28th 2022
It was with great regret and sadness that we learnt, yesterday morning, October 28th 2022, of the unexpected death of Colm, in the company of his wife Catherine, in Antwerp while returning on a school trip to Berlin and Krakow
The Officers, Officials and members of Cork Athletics County Board extend their condolences and deepest sympathies to the Murphy family; Colm's wife Catherine, and their extended families
Colm's lifetime contribution to athletics has been enormous and leaves a lasting legacy
Colm was a much loved teacher of History at St. John’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Gravesend, Kent, UK had received several teaching awards, including Kent Teacher of the Year Award in 2016
In the early 1990’s Colm and his wife Catherine played prominent roles in the Cork BLE structure,as PRO and Secretary, respectively, before moving to England. During this period, Colm also served as BLE National Throws and Triple Jump Coach
Colm was a prolific Athletics historian, writing several books, including “Looking Back – 25 Years of BLE in Cork”, “Irish Athletes and the Olympic Games ; Stockholm 1912”, “Irish Championships 1885 – 1922” when the sport was controlled by IAA and GAA, along with books on the subjects of ‘Irish Championships 1923 – 1966’, during the NACAI and AAUE Period, ‘BLE Championships 1967 -1999’. It is understood that he had been working on another book on the Top 100 Irish Track and Field Performances. Along the way, he was involved with the Gravesend History Society and several of that group’s publications.
On the field Colm threw a Discus best of 49.34m, in the U.K
May he Rest In Peace
Tribute to Colm Murphy
by Pat Walsh, Chairman, Cork Athletics County Board
Colm Murphy is best remembered by Cork County Board for his book "Looking Back"; a story of the first 25 years of BLE in Cork". This was a major undertaking, involving significant research, photos and interviews. The book contained a summary of the key events and key performances at Cork Championships and the performances of Cork athletes at National and International level
Colm's wife Catherine assisted him with his research and transcribed the book. Catherine was County Secretary in 1992/1993 while Colm was County PRO for several years, from 1991
Colm, whose family hailed from the Beara Peninsula, was a keen throws athlete and became National Coach in field events
Colm's notable achievements include winning the Colman O'Keeffe Shield, a multievent competetion in UCC, over a five year period from 1980-1984 due to excelling in shot, discus and javelin
