Mr. William Ernest (Ernie) Murphy

Editorial Department • Published 21 Jan 2010 09:00

The death has taken place of Ernie Murphy (suddenly) at his home, 10 Beatty Terrace, Kilskeery, on January 9th, 2010.

Ernie was born on January 2nd, 1925 at Derry, Kilskeery, the youngest of six children to Edward and Elizabeth Murphy. His father was a blacksmith and his mother a dressmaker.

He was educated at Kilskeery Primary School. On leaving school he worked for Gerald Strong, Trillick, driving a bread van and also driving a taxi for him for weddings. He later went to work for I. C. Thompson, Kilskeery, driving lorries.

His father and mother were the sextons of Kilskeery Church and Ernie and his brother Ned helped out by ringing the church bell and digging graves.

On July 16th, 1952 he married Bella Johnston from Drumskinney, Kesh. They made their home in the old school house. They had two children, Bill and Sheena.

In 1962 they moved to Aughanure, Irvinestown, where they farmed for many years. In 1999 they moved to Currin, Ballinamallard. In October 2009 they had just moved back to Kilskeery but unfortunately did not have long to enjoy being back to his homeplace again.

He was a founder member of Kilskeery Silver Band and was known in the band as the instrument doctor as he fixed any breakages with no cost to the band!

His funeral service in Kilskeery Parish Church was largely attended and was conducted by Rev. Precentor Dr. W. J. Johnston accompanied by Rev. C. Matchett from Magheracross Parish. The hymns were 'Abide with me,' 'Amazing Grace' and 'The Old Rugged Cross.' Burial was in the adjoining graveyard.

Donations in lieu of flowers are going to the Chest, Heart and Stroke and Kilskeery Silver Band.

Ernie is survived by his wife Bella, son Bill, daughter-in-law Violet, grandsons and greatgrandchildren, and daughter Sheena, son-in-law David and grand-daughters.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by S. R. Elliott & Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 21 Jan 10

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