Northern Ireland

Farmer (96) died 'happy' on his farm

Leo and Lily Murphy
Leo and Lily Murphy Leo and Lily Murphy

THE family of a 96-year-old farmer who died in a crash on his tractor say he passed away "doing what he loved".

Leo Murphy died on Tuesday after crashing close to his home in the Grange area near Armagh city.

Emergency crews were alerted before 1pm to the single-vehicle crash on Moore Island Road.

Two road ambulances and the Air Ambulance were tasked to the scene.

Mr Murphy's funeral Mass will be held tomorrow at 11am at the Church of St Colmcille, Knockaconey, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

The great-grandfather's heartbroken family described him as a "role model" who enjoyed watching football and reading The Irish News.

Speaking to Q Radio, his daughter Mary Gibney said: "He just went to keep an eye on the cattle and that was it. It's just so sad and we're going to miss him so much.

"I'm just heartbroken. My daddy died where he loved being best, in the arches or the field or among the cattle, and that's just where he was when it all happened."

His son Michael added: "He was a great character and he loved the football.

"He followed the Grange football, he followed the soccer. He read the paper every day, The Irish News. He loved it.

"If you ever wanted any news or wanted to know anything you came here, he could have told you it all."

Mr Murphy's wife Lily died about three years ago, aged 89.

Granddaughter Emma Gibney said: "He was always a great role model for us all our life."

She added: "I've great memories of him, and it's such a tragic thing that we had to witness what we did, and he'll be such a massive loss.

"It's just heartbreaking, but I know he's in a good place and he's with my granny, his best friend."