Latest news with #MickMurphy
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Wexford club's memorial run which has been going strong for 20 years celebrates founding member
The race is named after the late Mick Murphy who, in 1947, was one of the founding members of the Sliabh Buidhe Rovers Athletics Club. He was also chairperson and coach for 58 years, until he passed away in 2005. As chairperson he oversaw many championship winning teams and just before he passed away he said wanted to host a four mile road race in Ferns. Luke Kehoe, current chairman of the club, took on the challenge of honouring his wishes and turning a dream into reality. The race has taken place every year without fail since 2005, with a two year break for 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A representative from the SBR AC said they were thrilled with the turnout at their milestone event. 'What an evening we had yesterday in Ferns. The atmosphere was electric, runners and spectators from both near and far lined the streets, with a record number in the evening,' they said. They also extended their thanks to those who, not just made this year's event possible, but have supported them throughout their twenty year run. 'A huge thanks to anyone who took part and to all the clubs who supported us. A special word this year for our Club Chairman Luke Kehoe who started this race in memory of a great mentor Mick Murphy and has kept it running successfully for the past 20 years.' 'Thanks to the people who make this happen and all the helpers and volunteers on the day from the stewards to the registration – we really appreciate it!' they added. A word of thanks was also given to their loyal sponsors; Paul Lynch and his team at 8020 consulting, Jack Butler at Jack Butler Bespoke Furniture, Louise Kehoe at South East Estates, and David Leonard at Tesco for supplying the water. The 5k prize winners in the male category were Adam O Connor from United Striders AC (15:33), Alan Duffy from Sli Cualann AC (15:38) and Peter Arthur (15:44). In the women's category; Fiona Kehoe from Kilmore AC came first (17:52), followed by Nicole Moorehouse from Slaney Olympic AC (18:15), and Sabina Williams from Croghan AC (18:46). Following the run, participants and supporters were treated to an after party in The Courtyard with a special concert by singer Stacey Breen.
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Green light for statue of legendary Kerry cyclist Mick ‘Ironman' Murphy
It is now hoped that this will be achieved with a specially designed statue of the legend in his home town of Cahersiveen. Such a statue will put Mick Murphy up there alongside other renowned Kerry legends not least the late Mick O'Dwyer whose statue stands proud in Waterville as does one of John Egan in Sneem. It has been the long-held dream of a local committee comprised of friends of the legendary cyclist to honour Mick's achievements as an athlete and they have now been given the green light to erect this statue but they are some way off finalising their plans yet. It has been hoped to have the statue put in place this year to mark the 10th anniversary of this death but this now won't be possible as it is hoped to get grant aid to help towards the cost. However, Kerry County Council have given a provisional green light for the statue in the town park in Cahersiveen. This is good news for the committee who will now move towards the next stage which is to get funds together. Substantial funds have already been raised to date through a local cycle that ran for many years in his honour and these combined with grant aid will hopefully help the statue come to fruition. Mike Greaney, who came up with the idea of the cycle and statue, and has played a key role in the project said it is good news that the council have agreed in principle to the idea but he said more work has to be done. "As of a few weeks ago we got a letter of approval for the statue in the town park subject to the design and now paperwork will be put in order for grant-aid.' Cllr Norma Moriarty had called on Kerry County Council to work with the local committee to make this project a reality and is hopeful that more support will be forthcoming to honour one of the county's greatest. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Mick 'The Ironman' Murphy is part and parcel of the sporting history in Kerry given his awe-inspiring feats he accomplished chief among them to come from nowhere to win the Ras Tailteann back in 1958. He was born in Sugreana, Cahersiveen in 1934 into a farming family and in his youth and teenager years he became interested in bodybuilding and strong men and circus acts and made an income from circus feats. Ultimately he also took up running and he excelled in that too but turned to cycling and became the legend he is today. The stories that surround Mick Murphy known as 'The Ironman' are legendary as the man himself but many though unique are indeed true including that he rode for several days with a broken collar bone. He also drank cow's blood and ate raw meat and trained with weights made from stone.
