Longford mourns kind-hearted lady whose outgoing nature endeared her to everyone

Arriving in Lanesboro as a housekeeper to Fr Lynch almost 60 years ago little did we know the impact the then Phil Murphy would have on our community.

This correspondent remembers well Phil’s first day in Lanesboro when she came out the back door of the curate’s house to introduce herself to some of the Connaughton children and myself that were playing in the yard.

Phil Hanley, Barnacor passed away at the Midlands Regional Hospital on Sunday, October 27.

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Phil married into the Hanley family when she later went on to marry the late Ned Hanley who passed away 34 years ago. She was in her 90th year; she was predeceased by her parents Rose and John Murphy and her brothers and sisters.

Phil had been in failing health in recent years and she was greatly and dedicatedly cared for with great love by her son Raymond.

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From the very beginning Phil was a very spirited, kind-hearted and homely lady whose outgoing nature endeared her to everyone that came to know her. She was renowned as a wonderful cook with a great loyalty to her family and her new community. She never lost her pride in her home Carrickedmond community and her pride in her home county of Longford could never be called into question.

Phil was a lady of great faith with a great devotion to Our Lady. Considering she always had the fire on and the house filled with warmth it replicated the warmth of spirit that was Phil. As well as being a wonderful and dedicated family lady she was excellent at crochet and knitting.

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Phil was part of the life of our community for so many years and her passing will leave a great emptiness in our hearts but her memory will live long in our hearts. Phil’s remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 30 followed by her removal to St Mary’s Church on Thursday. Following her Funeral Mass she was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.

To her son Raymond, sisters in law, brothers in law nieces, nephews, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.