The Jimmy Murray statue unveiling will take place in Knockcroghery on Sunday, December 1st next, as part of a special weekend of celebrations.
The limestone statue of the GAA great will be formally unveiled by the President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns. Up to 20 members of the famous Artane Band will take part in the ceremony, accompanied by local children decked in the colours of Roscommon’s 32 GAA clubs.
Details of the upcoming festivities were announced at a media launch held in Murray’s Bar in Knockcroghery last Friday night. The bar (and adjoining house) is the homestead of the Murray family, with the premises now run by John (Jimmy’s son) and his wife Eithne.
Jimmy Murray was a renowned club and county footballer (also an accomplished hurler) who entered GAA folklore in his lifetime having captained Roscommon to its only senior All-Ireland football title wins, in 1943 and ’44. Much-decorated both during and after his career for his playing feats, he was also a very popular community figure within his beloved Knockcroghery and Roscommon. Jimmy Murray died in 2007.
The launch of the Jimmy Murray statue project took place in April 2022, and last Friday night’s press event was held to update on the exciting unveiling weekend ahead.
The four-tonne statue, carved from limestone generously donated by the quarry in Lecarrow, has been sculpted by local artist Mark Feeley.
The upcoming celebratory weekend will commence on Saturday, November 30th with a Historical Talk in Culleen Hall (8 pm), followed by a singing session in Murray’s. There will be further events over the course of the two days, including Mass for deceased members of the 1943 and 1944 Roscommon playing panels, with the statue to be unveiled at the village green by the GAA President on the Sunday afternoon.
Friday night’s launch was told that the names of all players and management involved in Roscommon’s historic All-Ireland wins in 1943 and ’44 will be inscribed on the monument.
Master of Ceremonies Matt Rogers said that this is a proud and poignant moment for the Murray family. Stating that the late Jimmy Murray had kicked his first ball on the village green, Mr Rogers noted how apt it is that the statue will be erected there.
Thomas Murray, chairperson of the Jimmy Murray Statue Memorial Committee, outlined the history of the project, paying tribute to all who have helped in any way. Complimenting Mark Feeley on the finished product (yet to be displayed to the public), Mr Murray said that sculptor has been “fantastic”, noting his “enthusiasm” and “attention to detail”.
Mr Murray also thanked the many people who have contributed to the fund. He also thanked Roscommon County Council, public representatives and the Church of Ireland (trustees of the Green in Knockcroghery) for their support.
Well-known GAA historian Tony Conboy described Jimmy Murray as the “heartbeat of Roscommon football” and said it had been a team “with no weaknesses… heroes all”.
Describing Jimmy Murray as a great ambassador for Roscommon, Tony complimented the committee on its great initiative. He also regaled the audience with some amusing tales about characters from the great Roscommon team of the 1940s, including the late John Joe Nerney.
David O’Connor of Roscommon County Board also congratulated the organising committee. He advised that further contributions to the fund can still be made via the IDonate page. Hailing the legacy of Jimmy Murray, Mr O’Connor said it was also very fitting that the legendary captain’s playing colleagues (and management) will be acknowledged on the statue.
Sculptor Mark Feeley spoke passionately of how honoured he was to have been asked to create the statue. He had loved the experience and was delighted with the outcome and was very much looking forward to seeing what the public think of the statue when it is unveiled.
Friday night’s formalities ended with a rousing version of ‘An Ode to Jimmy Murray’, sang by Johnny Johnson, who penned the tribute song.
