Famous Artane band to feature at Jimmy Murray statue unveiling

The famous Artane band will feature at the unveiling of the memorial statue to All-Ireland double winning captain Jimmy Murray by GAA President Jarlath Burns.

The weekend of celebration to honour one of Roscommon’s most famous sons will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 30th and December 1st, in his native Knockcroghery.

Last night, Friday, the Jimmy Murray Statue Memorial Committee formally launched its programme of events in Murray’s Bar, Knockcroghery for the special weekend of celebration.

The weekend will be full of song, reflection and celebration to honour one of Roscommon’s most famous sons.

It will be a special occasion for all Roscommon GAA supporters, the families of the 1943 and 1944 players as well as Knockcroghery parish residents who remember ‘Jamesie’ so fondly.

The centrepiece of the weekend will be the statue unveiling on the afternoon of Sunday, December 1st by GAA President Jarlath Burns.

Representatives from the 32 clubs in Roscommon will be led by members of the famous Artane Band who will parade to the Village Green in advance of the unveiling ceremony.

Guest speakers at the launch event last night included local historian Tony Conboy, memorial committee chairman Thomas Murray, sculptor Mark Feeley and Jimmy’s son, John. Songwriter Johnny Johnson gave a rendition of his song ‘An Ode to Jimmy Murray’. MC for the evening was Matt Rogers.

The statue of Jimmy Murray was carved by local sculptor Mark Feeley from a three and a half tonne block of limestone, which was obtained from Lecarrow.

The committee is very proud of the fact that the limestone that it is carved from has not left the parish on its journey to completion.

The memorial statue will stand proudly on the Village Green in Knockcroghery.

(See full details of last night's media launch in next Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald).