There were poignant and emotional scenes as young Mullingar sports star, Ben Murray was laid to rest last Wednesday in Rochfortbridge, following his untimely death at home in Gaybrook on New Year’s Eve. There were no warning signs as the teenager’s life ended suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving his family totally devastated.
Thousands turned out in solidarity with the Murray family and to bid farewell to a remarkable young man, whose sudden death at the age of 13 shocked the entire community of Westmeath. Local Parish Priest, very Reverend Fr William Coleman, spoke of the indelible mark Ben left on everyone he knew and there were many tears among grief stricken family members and shocked friends as Ben’s remains made their final journey to the nearby cemetery. Among these were members of The Downs GAA Club, Westmeath GAA, Clonkill Hurling Club and the Mullingar Rugby Club, all of whom were touched in a special way by Ben’s outstanding contribution during his packed sporting life.
Hundreds of people from various sporting organisations formed guards of honour and they were joined by Ben’s school colleagues from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge and The Downs N.S as they lined the street leading up to the Church of The Immaculate Conception where a very poignant Funeral Mass was celebrated. There was standing room only and many people remained outside where they listened to the words, music and lyrics that represented Ben’s all too brief time on earth.
“He was someone we looked up to, literally; big Ben, the gentle giant,” recalled Fr Coleman.
He spoke of the amazing impact Ben made during his life and how multi-talented he was, playing soccer and basketball among all his other sporting commitments. His immense contribution to school and family life was recognised.
It was recalled that there was a very poignant tribute from the Clonkill Hurling Club, who said their memory will be forever etched with the sight of Ben soaring to claim another puck-out. He was someone who touched the lives of everyone and there were memories everywhere of Ben’s contribution to the community of Westmeath.
No words of consolation could be offered to a family numbed with grief and sadness. “Grief is the price we pay for love,” said Fr Coleman.
He spoke emotionally of the challenge presented by such a hard day, a sad day for all Ben’s friends and family. There was reference to the fragility of life and all young people were encouraged to appreciate and cherish the gift of life, live it to the full and look after it as best they can.
Very Reverend Fr Tom Gilroy, P.P Kinnegad, concelebrated the beautiful Mass.
GLOWING TRIBUTES
There were glowing tributes from people who knew Ben and whose lives he touched in such a positive manner, while young people wept openly as they said their final goodbyes. People queued for well over an hour to offer their sympathy to the heartbroken Murray family, Ben’s parents Boris and Alma; brother, Alfie; grandparents Breda and Peter Fennelly; grandmother Rita, Eva and a wide circle of relatives.
Derek Butler, Principal of The Downs N.S, where Ben was pupil until last summer, said Ben was someone with a good sense of humour, very respectful, a pleasure to teach and a pleasure to coach. He could play anywhere, in goals, midfield, or full forward and he was a good rugby player, too, Mr Butler noted.
“When he first started in The Downs, the teacher entered his class in Comórtas Scoildrámaíochta, and he was Prince Charming when they won,” the principal recalled.
There were tributes from Westmeath GAA, The Downs GAA Club, Clonkill GAA Club and the Mullingar Rugby Club, where Ben was a bright talent. Luke Dempsey, a teacher at St Joseph’s Secondary School, recalled the positive contribution Ben made when he brought him into the the first year football side that reached the North Leinster final in December.
St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge GAA Club paid their own tribute and there was a remarkable contribution from the local community on the day of Ben’s funeral, organising parking and ensuring everyone was catered for in the Parish Hall afterwards.
