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Murphys of Mullaghbawn

Michael Murphy left Mullaghbawn in South Armagh for Liverpool at the start of the 20th century. It was here he married Mary Pender. This is the story of their nine daughters and one son, their children and grandchildren. "Cead Mille Failte"

Monday, September 28, 2009

Michael Cannon Stateside! From Des Herlihy


Fond Memories of Michael Cannon
While Michael’s funeral was a sad occasion, what came across from his sons and his brother Robbie was his great sense of humour. Austin told us a great story about his sister Kitty taking him communion. She went recently and gave him a wafer which was on the small side. He looked at it and said ‘What’s this? The credit crunch?’
Here is a picture of Michael visiting our parents in Manhattan in the early 50s. Da, Mikey and her sisters were very excited about Michael going to New York when he went to sea. His visit would be the first from any Murphy member to Lily since she had left Liverpool in 1947. So excited were they that they wanted to make it a surprise and not tell our parents before he arrived in New York. Aunt Kitty didn’t much like this idea so she wrote a letter telling them Michael was coming. She gave it to Aunt Rose to put in the mail. However, in order to maintain the surprise, Aunt Rose kept it until she was sure that Michael would arrive before the letter and it was only then that she sent it. My parents were very pleased to have him visit. My father took this picture and you can see how happy our mother is to be with her first nephew. Jimmy and Terry are the little dudes.
Timmy O’Hanlon told me that his father, Paddy, helped Michael get his first job. Michael told me that he did it for a while but that it was pretty gruelling. It was on a freighter which took cargo up to Scotland from Liverpool, loaded up with coal from Ayr and then went across to Ireland, unloaded and then loaded up with potatoes to return to Liverpool. He did a number of these trips.
We will miss him.

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Sunday, September 27, 2009


This is the front of Michael's Cannon's Mass Card - kindly sent to me by his son Michael, who added the personal touch by designing the card himself - and a very good job he made of it too!

If you'd like me to send you a full, colour copy of the card, please contact me at: maxarmagh@hotmail.com.
God Bless,
Cormac

A Message of 'Thank You' From Michael's Five Sons

Gerard, Austin, Francis, Martin & Michael would like to extend a heart felt thank you for all the kind messages of support we have recieved during this difficult time since the death of our father. They have helped us immeasurably in coming to terms with our loss and ensured we pulled together to give our dad the best send off possible last Friday, which again we would like to thank everyone for attending. Dad always loved a good family get together, and I'm sure he would have been enjoying watching us all have a drink in honour of his life. If anyone would like a copy of the mass booklet for our father we have it available in a PDF format which could be posted on the blog or e-mailed direct if so desired.Once again many thanks.
Much love,
Michael's five sons.

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Lol & Raf's New Baby Boy!


Mum with George James

Dad with George James

Mary, Lol with baby and dad Raf

Mary with her latest Grandchild

Click below for full Kodak Album
Hello all, Thought I'd send some pics of our new little babe. His name is George James after his paternal Grandfather, on whose birthday he was also born! He was 2 weeks overdue in the end and weighed in at 8lb 10. He was also jaundiced at first so after a week of treatment we brought him home and he's now eating well and gaining weight and no longer bright yellow!. Raf and I wanted to thank you so much for all your kind messages, cards, gifts, flowers etc. really, you have spoiled us and I hope Georgie doesn't get used to it!! I feel very fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends and can't wait for you to meet him in person which I hope won't be too long. Hope you are all well. Lots of love G R & L xxxxxxxx
- Leoncia

Leoncia or 'Lol' is Mary Flynn's (née Murphy) youngest daughter.

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A Message From Emma - Michael's Niece

We were so sorry to hear of Michael's passing so soon after Francis. Michael had a great sense of humour and was a very generous man, much loved by us all, especially Francis. We know only too well the sadness the boys, their families, Marie, Kitty and Robbie will be experiencing at this time and we send them our love and support. Michael is now out of all his discomfort and is safe with Francis in heaven. Rest in peace Mike. Agnes Cannon and family, Halewood

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Michael Cannon's Funeral Arrangements

The Funeral Mass will be held at St Monica's in Bootle on Friday 25th September at 9:00am
St Monica's is located on the corner of Earl Rd and Fernhill Rd, Bootle.
Please note Michael will be lying in state at his son's Austin's house in Litherland. on Thursday 24th Sept.

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Michael Cannon: Pictures of His Life


Michael Murphy and Michel Cannon

Francis, Geoge Hegarty, Mikey, Michael

Martin & Michael

Rita Michael and Boys

The Gang

Robbie Michael and Francis

Kitty, Michael and Molly

Robbie Michael and Francis at JP's Christening

Michael with his mother, brothers Fran and Robbie and sons Gerard
and Austin in Lemon Street‏

JP Christening April 29th 2007

Michael with sons Francis and Martin plus brother Francis and friend Johnny McCoy

Michael with Grand-daughter Lauren

Michael with Grand-daughter Eira

Michael with Grand-children Kate and Eddie

Michael in Lemon Stree

Michael Cannon 6 months

Michael and Sons. Gerard Austin Francis Martin & Michael

Michael and Gerard in Lemon Street

Michael and Gerard in Derby Park Bootle

Michael and Francis

Michael and Francis 1957

Michael aged 18

Michael Rita Gerard Austin Francis & Agnes in Mullaghbawn
Michael Rita Gerard Austin Francis Martin & Michael

Michael Gerard Austin & Francis in Mullaghbawn

Michael Francis and Marie

Michael Francis Marie Robbie and Kitty

Francis and Michael

CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE

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Friday, September 18, 2009

Sad News: Michael Cannon Passes Away.

I received the sad news from Gerard this morning.
Here are the messages that have since come in.
From his son Gerard:
Dad passed away peacefully in Clatterbridge Hospital on September 17 surrounded by loved ones. He was filled with love and pride for his entire family particularly his granchildren, sons, brothers and sisters and, of course, his mum, dad and aunty Kitty Burke .

He was able to retain his sense of humour and dignity until the very end. In fact, he was still making us laugh until practically the last moment, something that summed up his huge character and provided us with a cherished memory.

Although we have no dates as yet the service will be held in Saint Monica's Bootle followed by the burial at Ford cemetry. Finally, we will all get together at Bootle Cricket Club in Wadham Road to celebrate a great life.

Gerard
From his niece Catherine
Michael Cannon passed away very peacefully yesterday evening. Michael has been in ill health for some time and was admitted to Fazakerley hospital before being transferred to Clatterbridge just under three weeks ago. He left us at around 6.30pm and went very peacefully surrounded by his family and supported by their love and prayers. He was deeply grateful for the many prayers that were offered up on his behalf throughout his illness and the excellent care given to him by hospital/nursing staff over the years. Despite having a long battle with ill health Michael remained in good spirits, retaining his very dry sense of humour and keeping visitors entertained with his stories.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his sons Gerard, Austin, Francis, Martin and Michael and his nine grandchildren. Michael was the eldest son of Molly and Frank (RIP) and a much loved brother to Marie, Kitty, Robbie and our dear Francis (RIP). To the extended Murphy family Michael will also be fondly remembered as the oldest "Murphy" cousin, the first grandchild of Michael and Mary Murphy.

I will forward details of the funeral arrangements when available.

God bless,

Catherine
From Cousin Cormac
God Bless You Michael - Our prayers go out to you and all your family.
You were a great friend and help to my father and always there for him during his difficult times. You were his favourite nephew.
May You Rest in Peace.
xxx
From Cousin Jim Herlihy
Dear Gerard: So sorry to learn of your father's passing. We all have fond memories of him and your family from October 1963. My Mother was especially fond of Michael as her first nephew ! When he visited my parents in Manhattan in the early 1950s he was the first member of her family she had seen since leaving England in 1948 ! She was homesick and Michael brought a little bit of England and home to her. We will miss him. Our warmest thoughts and hopes for you and your family. Jim
From Cousin Patrick Herlihy
Condolences to the Cannon family.God bless Michael, you were a blessing to many. Fond memories.Your cousin, Patrick.

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Sunday, September 06, 2009

Anyone Have Photos from George's Funeral?

L-R: Eamon Murphy, Ted Corrigan(Friend of McKays and Murphys), Mick Flynn, Michael Murphy, Frank Murphy, Cormac Murphy.

Would appreciate it if anyone has photos from the evening reception to send me them, so I can put them on the blog and onto an online Kodak album. Thanks.

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Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Memories of George



The Family

George, Uncle George, Ian McKay, Tony Hegarty, Eamon Murphy

Holy Communion

Irene McKay, Aunty Rosie, George

George with FA Cup - Everton winners 1995

George & Irene

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