The quiet and close-knit community of Carrig-on-Bannow was in mourning at the weekend as the community lost a real figurehead in John Murphy of Colfer’s Pub.
A legendary figure in south Wexford, he passed away, following an illness, at The Oak Ward at University Hospital Waterford, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday.
John’s name is one that is spoken with reverence in musical circles. A mouth organ player of massive renown, his talent and passion for music and culture earned him life-long friends across the globe.
Indeed, alongside his brother Pip, he brought some huge names in music to Carrig-on-Bannow every year for The Phil Murphy Weekend, a festival in memory of his late father.
The festival committee broke the news of the passing of their figurehead and leader.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of John Murphy, legendary mouth organ player, great supporter of music and, of course, the man at the heart of the Phil Murphy Wexford,” they said.
“John wasn’t one for fancy talk or fuss, so he’d probably have something to say about us making too much of a fuss of him now. But it is hard to put into words just how much he did for music in Carrig-on-Bannow and across the southeast.”
John and Pip followed in their father’s footsteps and carried on a wonderful mouth organ tradition that stretched back in the area through the old mouth organ bands.
“John kept carrying that torch throughout his life – right up to recent times, when he was delighted to be playing with the Danescastle Mummers,” the statement continued.
It was noted that when “John and Teasie bought Colfer’s (Pub), music quickly became the essence of the place. There were concerts, weekly sessions, visiting musicians and, of course, the Phil Murphy weekend”.
“John had a knack for bringing people together through music, and he brought the world to Carrig-on-Bannow.”
A family member of John’s, local Aontú councillor Jim Codd said that his legacy will most definitely live on.
“The area is simply devastated to hear of John’s passing this morning,” he said. “What John Murphy did for Wexford is beyond measure. What he did for music,culture and tourism could not be quantified.
“Above all of this for me personally, he was nothing short of iconic a man who lived by his principles; unbreakable, defiant yet kind as a lamb and sensitive to the needs of all. He was a friend beyond compare and those who annoyed him were left in no doubt what he thought.
“His name was known wherever the harmonica was played and he was on first name terms with international stars. Yet, his feet were fixed always on the ground.”
John was the beloved husband of Teresa (Teasie) and brother of Nick, Pat and Pip. He will be sadly missed by his wife, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, his loyal friend “Hammy”, extended family, neighbours and many, many friends gathered over the years.
An amazing musician and a much loved character in the community, John will be remembered for his warmth, friendship, generosity and love of good music and company, bringing great joy to many over the years.
John’s remains will be repose in The Tin Sandwich Bar of Colfers, Carrig on Bannow, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8. His funeral mass will take place on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Church of Mary Immaculate and St. Joseph, Carrig on Bannow followed by burial in St. Mary’s cemetery Kilmore afterwards.