Paul Murray

What a true gentleman. I had the privilege to work alongside Paul for a short time in our PTA. He was the best santa and had the best humour! A true gentleman. Thought and prayers are with Leanne and Elliot

I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of this true gentleman. Paul Murray could always see the positive in any situation and always helping others or offering advice no matter where he was. We will miss the craic and the stories wether it was at social event or watching the bikes this man knew how to enjoy himself. Our hearts go out to Leanne and Elliott and the entire family circle at this sad time.

I had a conversation with Conery McGill the other day. We happened upon a discussion regarding “excessive work” to which he recounted a few lines passed on to him from big Niall McGill, it went something like this... “Conery, you know they had a Pope? Well, that Pope passed Conery, and everyone was distraught. So, you know what they did? They got a new Pope! Eventually the new Pope passed and they had to get another new Pope”... The idea being that all of us are replaceable to some degree, and that in all seriousness, we are all quite capable of, and perhaps guilty of an “excessive work disorder”. And that maybe it would be beneficial to find time to reflect a little, or perhaps check ourselves from time to time, or find a second to champion the moments, or at least slow down enough and remember to remember them. I can decree Paul was no Pope! But it’s no surprise to everyone that he had a reach similar to one. Witt and comedy have a tendency to collect followers, and I am not alone in saying I was a converted apostle. I have laughed until my face was sore with Paul, I have retold many jokes (some not suitable for kids) and have sat many many times as he held court telling some like short stories. I won’t be alone in recounting many miles pushing a skateboard with, or recounting the hours watching the motorbikes with, because it was all the more fun participating if Paul was there. I am slower today. I have slowed to a standstill as I champion the moments and as I remember to remember them. I remember when I first met Paul in Portglenone (spell checker hates this word, it’s with some irony it will be forever underlined) as teenagers at the old skateboard bowl. The concrete was chipped so badly it was hardly rideable except for the side walls. Paul and I spent hours chasing each other around the side walls of that bowl until our legs could give no more. I’m sure in the coming weeks countless stories will be recited about friendships made as easily as mine, because to put it simply, that was how it was with Paul. As I sit here reminiscing about my first encounter, and smiling (sometimes) about moments we shared together, I can’t stop thinking about that old skate bowl. It’s been gone now for years, and however shitty it was, to me and the handful who spent part of our youth in Portglenone it was simply irreplaceable. Big Niall is quite correct, we can replace Popes, kings, and Queens but some of us are simply irreplaceable. Truth be told, I’d much prefer to reminisce and have this feeling of loss, than to have passed up any chance of ever meeting Paul. Irreplaceable, because we all loved you, you silly mother funkster. Chris McQuilkin

Dear Leanne and family When I heard the news yesterday the wind was knocked out of me. Paul was one of the funniest, most generous-spirited, decent people I have ever known. I am so sorry for your loss. Love Niall