The reality of Covid 19 was clearly demonstrated at the weekend with the passing of popular taxi driver john Murphy of Gortadooey, Claregalway.
Word spread rapidly a few weeks ago that John had been brought to hospital after contacting Covid 19. However like several others from the area, little was thought of it as john was a strong fit man and people had come out and about again after treatment.
john had gone way outside the time level of what we were being told about Covid remaining in the system but unfortunately it is a virus that can do untold damage to the internal organs of the body and john had suffered greatly as a result of contracting the coronavirus.
Outside of the family few people realised just how serious it had become and last week news came that john was struggling to overcome this difficult virus that so many know so little about. Sadly on Friday John Murphy lost his brave battle.
john was a loveagle character who loved his family, his work as a plasterer and later as a taxi driver, his golf and above all others meeting friends.
As a taxi driver people spoke with fondness of his total reliability that whenver he gave a time, he was always within five minutes of the time he said he would be there.
For his family his loss is huge and the community gathered in respect as his funeral cortege made its way for his funeral Mass in Claregalway church and to Claregalway cemetery. The people of the area extend their sincere sympathy to his wife Teresa and his family nicola, Jonathan and jason and their extended family.
the passing of john Murphy is a stark reminder for people to be on high alert reminding all to wear masks, wash their hands regularly and most importantly stay apart. that in itself could be a great legacy that john Murphy leaves behind if it saves the lives of others.
