By Dan Walsh
The death has occurred of Kilmore-born jockey Tommy Murphy, (88), who was champion jockey on the Flat in Ireland in 1978, rode a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, two Irish classics and was associated with the greats of Irish racing – Vincent O’Brien and Aidan O’Brien.
Born on September 11th 1936, into a family involved in farming and fishing at Neamstown, Kilmore Quay, Murphy left school at 14 and began his apprenticeship with trainer and grain merchant Milo Walshe at Kilmacthomas in County Waterford.
He rode his first winner on the Walshe-trained Fabrice at Phoenix Park in 1954.
Two years later, he moved to Britain with his young wife Celia. After a brief spell at Epsom, he spent four years at the Duke of Norfolk’s Arundel Castle stables. He also spent time with Fred Rimmell at Kinnersley.
In 1964, he returned to Ireland to work for Clem Magnier at Athboy in County Meath. He developed a good relationship with Magnier, a shrewd dual-purpose trainer whose distinctively white-bridled runners often inflicted serious damage on the bookmakers.
Murphy was also a notably polished rider over hurdles. He won the Galway Hurdle twice, on Dictora for Magnier in 1970 and Hardboy for Richard McCormick in 1972.
His triumph on Noble Life for Christy Grassick in the 1972 Gloucestershire Hurdle (now the Supreme Novices’) at the Cheltenham Festival was especially sweet.
He rode 66 winners in his championship-winning season in 1978.
Murphy’s two Classic wins came in 1977, both for Vincent O’Brien. He partnered the Robert Sangster-owned debutante Lady Capulet to win the Irish 1,000 Guineas and captured the Irish St Leger on Transworld in Simon Fraser’s colours.
Fittingly, Murphy’s final winner, Lords in a juvenile maiden at Leopardstown in October 1981, was supplied by the maestro who transformed his career and then ensured, after a short spell on the Curragh with Mick O’Toole, that he became a key member of the team, working at Ballydoyle until the end of Vincent O’Brien’s career.
He moved to Ballydoyle in his late 30s, which brought about his championship-winning season. His final winner came at Leopardstown in October 1981, after which he became a key member of O’Brien’s team until the end of his career.
Wexford-born champion trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “Tommy was an unbelievable horseman, jockey and person. He was an incredible help to us when we came to Ballydoyle [in 1994]. He taught everybody here so much about so many different things. Even when he retired, he came in all the time to give everyone advice and guidance. He was one of those irreplaceable men.
“He was a great rider, too, just an incredible and special man. Andrew [Tommy’s son and head lad at Ballydoyle] is in charge of the Giant’s Causeway yard, where all our main horses are kept.”
FAMILY NOTICE; TOMMY MURPHY, Ballydoyle, Rosegreen, Cashel, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Athboy, Co. Meath and Neamstown, Kilmore, Co. Wexford. August 13th 2025, peacefully in the loving care of all the Staff at Croí Óir, Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel. Tommy, beloved husband of the late Celia. Sadly missed by his loving family Helen, Thomas, Andrew, Margaret, Jennifer and Sarah, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters Mary and Betty, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
May He Rest In Peace.
Reposing in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Rosegreen this Friday evening from 5.30pm with Funeral Prayers at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday in St. James’ Church, O’Growney Street, Athboy at 11am. Burial in St. Lawrence’s Churchyard, Rathmore.
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