Bernard Murphy R.I.P.

Evertonian Bernard from Huyton was killed by a piece of flying debris, blown by the high winds, as he walked to the Walkers Stadium for the game with Leicester on Saturday 20th March 2004. A GREAT Evertonian, Bernard hadn't missed a game for 3 seasons. The 40 year old season-ticket holder, coached the Salerno Eagles Under-10s football team.

The funeral took place at St Aloysius Church yesterday. The church was full, leaving many outside unable to get in. Everton Football Club were represented at the funeral by David Moyes, Sir Philip Carter, Keith Tamlin, Michael Dunford & Ian Ross.

Full marks to Ian McDonald and the Indy Blues, who organised a bucket collection in all the local pubs on Saturday before the Boro game. We had our own collection in the Blue Kipper Lounge and decided to add it to the Indy Blues one. The total raised was £2300. Ian says this may rise, when all the money is collected.

Bernard's dad would like to thank everybody for their kind donations and messages of sympathy to his family at this tragic time. In Mr Murphy's own words he said: "that football brings people together in bad times. It's remarkable how there are no boundaries at times like this. Leicester and Liverpool in particular have been fantastic in support to the family. It's incredible that so many different clubs have contacted our family not just in Britain but around the world".

A minutes silence and banners where held for Bernie before saturday's game at the Walker stadium. Before the boro game on Saturday, Bill Kenwright took Mr Murphy to an office inside Goodison were four girls were constantly opening messages of support to his family. Everton did his son proud before the game with a fitting tribute in the programme to Bernard and the minute's silence, the first I can remember directly for a Everton fan. I can tell you it was a very touching experience to visit Bernie's home in such tragic circumstances, Mr Murphy senior told us that he had only just buried his sister. You can't imagine the pain that family is going. On behalf of the the extended family of Evertonians our thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy family. There are good and great Evertonians, Bernie was a great Evertonian. Ian McDonald.

P.S. Mr Murphy told me that on the same day of Bernie's untimely death two Leicester fans where killed before the game by a overturning lorry , crushing them in their car .The father of these fans took time out to offer his condolences to the Murphy family.

bluekipper.com would like to add their condolences to Bernard’s son, John, to John’s mother, Barbara, and to all Bernard's family and friends.

bluekipper.com will be holding a future auction for Bernard's family. (31/03/04)

Auction for Kevin Campbell's Boots

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