Bandon AFC and wider community honour memory of Cathal Murphy

It's 10 years since the tragic passing of Cathal Murphy but his memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends and the wider Bandon community.

His life was cut short in a car accident in Canada, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the town he called home. A decade later, Bandon AFC has once again come together to honour his memory through its annual memorial game. The event not only celebrates Cathal’s enduring connection to the club but also raises vital funds to support the football community he held so dear.

One of his good friends, Niall O’Regan, explained why it's important to remember him every year.

“The game is really a great testament to all who knew him. He had such an impact on so many and had so many great friends, that this game allows so many of them to come together and celebrate his life and remember him, while also giving all of us the chance to reconnect and make more memories in Cathal’s name,” said O’Regan.

“Each year the game is an opportunity to fundraise for the club that Cathal loved and each year we are able to make a contribution to the ongoing developments in Bandon AFC in Cathal's name.

"I want to thank all of those who have contributed and especially the Murphy family, who have been amazing every year in support of the club and the game itself. The game itself wouldn’t happen without the support of the club, chairman Jim McCarthy, of course the man in the middle, Damien O’Mahony and all of the support from the town itself."

The event began with a Bandon AFC Legends v Cork City Legends clash. This was how it looked for the first few years, before Covid hit. When the annual game returned a few years ago, it was between those from the northside of the town against the southside.

Community spirit

It’s a wonderful occasion and one that allows the town to remember Cathal and bring all of his friends and family together. Bandon AFC really wanted to ensure to recognise the milestone and it was great to see the club a hive of activity for the day, with the school of excellence, for children aged five to 12 playing in the morning, the senior team in the afternoon and the Northside v Southside game that evening. 

With so many participating on the day, it shows how well known and loved Cathal was, and the importance of remembering him in such a big event at the club.

While it is a sad occasion reminiscing about Cathal's life and how much he is missed by all that knew him, it is also great to see the joy the event brings to so many locals who come together, to play the game they love- the game Cathal loved.

Club chairman Jim McCarthy, like so many others, found it hard to believe 10 years have passed but feels some comfort in knowing they are keeping his memory alive by honouring him each year.

“It is hard for us all in Bandon AFC to believe that Cathal has passed 10 years ago. 

Cathal was a great player and person; he played all the way through our schoolboys teams before moving to Cork City and returned a number of years later to play with our senior team. 

He is missed and the annual memorial game is a great way for us as family and friends to come together and remember him. 

"The game is a signature date in our annual footballing calendar and we want to thank the Murphy family and all those who support us making the game happen and for all the donations that come from the game, helping us continually improve the facilities for the members of Bandon AFC."

The game was won this year by the Northside, seeing the cup returning to Cathal's side of the town, with a Man of the Match display from Ger Crean, who reeled in the years to score a double. We look forward to the game in 2027.