Ex-Kilkenny star blown away by reaction to Proclamation reading
Easter The pic: Conor Paul The The Rising, Photo Of Captain Proclamation Anniversary / Agency The Marking Outside From The Collins Gpo Murphy, Ceremony Kilkenny, At ó Reads Mearáin 1916
Former Kilkenny star Paul Murphy has been blown away by the reaction to his stirring delivery of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.
Murphy, a Captain in the Defence Forces, gave the pitch perfect oration at the annual Easter Rising commemoration in front of the GPO in Dublin on Sunday.
The four-time All-Ireland SHC winner and four-time All-Star was surprised by just how interested people were in the performance of Pádraig Pearse’s reading of the document on April 24, 1916.
A contributor to Off The Ball’s hurling podcast, Murphy revealed he hadn’t told his colleagues of his central role in the ceremony.
“I didn’t think it would get the reaction it did. I didn’t even tell the lads on the podcast I was doing it. I texted them to push back the podcast a day because I was at the GPO at the Easter Rising commemoration – they thought I was moving bollards or something.
“They were giving out I didn’t tell them but maybe I underestimated people’s interest in it. My aim was to do a good job but something that has interested me is how important it was for people that it was done properly.
“I have had emails via the Defence Forces press office from various groups who follow the ceremonies that have extended their appreciation for it. I was delighted to hear they were glad with how it was portrayed.
“From the GAA world, I was talking to Neil McManus this morning and a few other people. You don’t know who has seen it but I’m just happy it had struck a chord with them.”
Before Christmas, Murphy was approached by Commandant Kate Hanrahan to read the Proclamation.
“I said yes straight away in the conversation and you’re very aware that it forms quite a significant part of it, so you don’t say yes lightly to it.”
The Danesfort clubman spent the last three weeks learning the 500-plus word document off by heart. He had also completed a deep dive into the day to be as true to Pearse’s delivery as he could imagine.
The Proclamation of the Irish Republic has been read outside the GPO on O'Connell Street in Dublin at a ceremony to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising | Read more: https://t.co/P0egTb5UKq pic.twitter.com/8YsywPhMU1
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 31, 2024
“What I was holding was a version of the Proclamation as it would have been so I could look down and read it but come the day you just don’t know – a gust of wind could blow it out of your hand.
“I also felt that being at these events before the ability to look up at the crowd adds to the essence of the whole thing. Fairly early on, I decided if I could learn it off it would be great.
“I’m really interested in the history of the country and the GAA and they’re interwoven. I would also have an interest in military history. So when this came about I delved into it a small bit more because I felt if I had as much information about the day as possible it would contribute to the recital.
“Understanding the conditions Pádraig Pearse was under when he gave it. I was well aware of it. I immersed myself in the day. It was great for my family, my wife Eadaoin who were really interested in it and appreciated the significance of it.”