EP: 9 John Murphy

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Voices Of Boyle Podcast!

While John might have been born in Dublin, he’s been living in Boyle for over 57 years, and there’s no doubt he’s one of our own. From his time in the Irish Army to dressing as Santa for the Plunkett Home, John shares a heartfelt and captivating journey that spans continents and communities.

From the Congo to Termon Road

John’s story begins in Dublin, but his life took a significant turn when he joined the Irish Army, serving for 22 years. One of the most defining moments of his life was his deployment to the Congo in 1960, a historic and turbulent time that left a lasting mark on him.

As John recalls that period, you can hear both pride and gravity in his voice. He talks about army life, the Niemba Ambush, and being part of the Western Command, painting a vivid picture of service and sacrifice.

Community Spirit in Boyle

After leaving the army, John eventually settled in Boyle permanently. It wasn’t long before he became deeply embedded in the town’s life through volunteer work. Whether through the Citizens Information Service or various Boyle community projects, John’s generosity and sense of civic duty stand out.

One highlight of the conversation is John’s long-running role as Santa Claus in the Plunkett Home, a tradition that brought joy not only to residents but to his own family as well.

A Life Built on Family and Kindness

John lives on Termon Road with his beloved wife Maura. They’ve been married for 55 years and raised two children, Martin and Kay, and now enjoy time with their grandkids and great-grandkids. His reflections on family life are heartwarming and serve as a reminder of what matters most.

From stories of growing up in Dublin, memories of Nelson’s Pillar, and encounters with Shamrock Rovers, to his time as a Boyle Town Commissioner, John brings a wealth of personal and local history to the episode. He also shares his love of the Irish language, his time in Connemara, and tales of Griffith Barracks in Galway.

A Conversation Worth Preserving

As Florence puts it in the intro, this episode is about documenting conversations for posterity and John Murphy’s is one worth preserving. It’s rich in Boyle history, Irish identity, and a strong sense of community values.

If you’re from Boyle, have family in the area, or simply enjoy hearing stories of genuine people who’ve lived through remarkable chapters of Irish history, this one’s for you.

⸻

🎧 Listen to Episode 9 – “Looking Back” featuring John Murphy on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

📣 Know someone with a great story to tell? We’re always looking for guests! Reach out via voicesofboyle.com or message us on Facebook.