James (Jim) Patrick Murrihy (SPC 1959-63)
February 17, 2021
The College extends its sympathy to the family of James (Jim) Patrick Murrihy (SPC 1959-63) who died on June 1, 2020 after a battle with cancer.
Jim is survived by wife Audrey, children Cherie and Martin and was an adored grandfather to four. Jim was also uncle to Damian Murrihy (SPC 1985-90), Daniel (SPC 1991-96), Kieran (SPC 1986-91) and Sean (SPC 2000-05).
A Requiem Mass was held on June 5 at Chelsea Heights and the funeral was livestreamed due to the coronavirus regulations.
Jim Murrihy was a College Prefect in 1963.
Jim attended SPC between 1959 and 1963 and was a boarder from Bacchus Marsh. He was actively involved in college life and was one of the prefects in 1963, received the Howard Prize for Character, Application to Study and Sport in the Senior School, and received the economics and modern history awards.
He was also president of the Holy Name Society, executive member of Our Lady’s Sodality, member of the Altar Society, Captain of Football 1st VIII in 1962 and 1963, BPS representative (1961-63), member of First XI (1962-63) and received the Brien Gleeson (football) Trophy for his Ruck Play. His footballing talents were described in the 1963 College Annual as “an inspiration to his team always, a courageous player rather than a brilliant one, he was a leader in all phases of the game”. Jim also assisted the Brothers by umpiring after-school footy matches alongside classmates Roger Long (SPC 1958-63) (dec), Barry Richardson (SPC 1961-64), Michael Fry (SPC 1962-65) (dec), Raymond Moran-Hilford (SPC 1961-64) and Terrence O’Halloran (SPC 1953-63) (dec).
Jim Murrihy played in the First XVIII Football Team.
Jim Murrihy pictured in 1963 as a SPC representative in Combined BPS First XVIII.
Jim was fondly remembered by his former work colleagues as a much-loved and highly respected leader at Parkdale Secondary College, for over 30 years. He was described as “a man of intellect, integrity and exceptional organisational skills” and a man who “had an enormous impact on hundreds of students, teachers and parents. He was the champion of a fair go for all and a most warm, lovable character.” He was described by another as a “great teacher with a sparkling personality and good friend”.