The death of any young person is tragic and the sudden passing of Haulie Murphy last year deeply affected his family, relatives, neighbours and many friends in Glanworth and beyond.
How best to honour the memory of a much loved teenager can be debated. However, there was universal agreement when it was a suggested a perpetual shield bearing his name be contested by his Glanworth team mates and a neighbouring club.
This inaugural game took place in winter sunshine last Sunday with hosts Glanworth taking on Kilara Og (an amalgamation of Kilworth and fellow parishioners, Araglin). John O'Brien was on the whistle and the Ballygiblin official had an easy time of it as both teams played the game in an exemplary manner. Glanworth were that bit better and ran out comfortable winners in the end.
Before the shield was presented, Glanworth Juvenile GAA chairman Gerdy Murphy, welcomed Haulie's family and congratulated both teams on a fine sporting game. Haulie's parents Pat and Frances Murphy, in the presence of Haulie's grandmother Eileen Murphy, then presented the impressive Haulie Murphy Perpetual Shield to Glanworth captain, Aidan Walsh. Aidan said it was a great honour to be the captain of the first team to win the shield. He thanked Kilara Og, his mentors, club officers, fellow players and the match referee.
Following formalities, Gerdy Murphy invited the Murphy family and all those present to view the recently completed new club house where tea, soup and sandwiches were served by a local group of handworking volunteers.
While tinged with sadness, the event was ultimately very successful and the expectation is that the Haulie Murphy Perpetual Shield will be contested for many more years to come.

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