Priest questions lack of safety in our homes at funeral of Tipperary grandfather Teddy Murnane

The funeral took place today of beloved grandfather Teddy Murnane, who passed away earlier this week after an incident at his home at St Michael's Avenue, Tipperary Town last Friday evening.

Fr Eugene Everard told the congregation who gathered at St Michael's Church, Tipperary town, that the 81 year-old was “a man who was a huge presence in everyone’s lives.”

Fr Everard said that Teddy had been married to his wife Margaret for 55 years, whom he shared three children with, daughter Rachel, sons Patrick and Timothy, and seven grandchildren: Colin, Aoife, Rebecca, Trinity, Tyler, Theo and George.

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Fr Everard explained that Teddy’s life ended suddenly and tragically, describing how everyone in Tipperary Town has been shocked by Teddy’s untimely death.

The priest then questioned safety in homes saying: “We have a saying that home is where the heart is, or we might sometimes say that there’s no place like home, it’s a place where we feel safe.

“We always feel somewhat protected from the outside world. Teddy’s death is a reminder that even inside our own gate, our safety is no longer guaranteed.

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“That is something that as a society and as a community we all need to reflect on a little bit more as well. Why is that happening more and more today?” Fr Everard asked the congregation.

Fr Everard then went on to describe Teddy as a man who ‘loved to chat and talk hurling, especially Tipperary hurling.”

Speaking about Mr Murnane’s career as a bus driver, he was described as the ‘essence of patience and kindness’ while working. Teddy had the honour of driving the Tipperary hurling teams to Croke Park and venues all around the country in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

“Even when they didn’t always win, he was delighted to be there,” said Fr Everard.

Teddy’s daughter-in-law Domenica, who lives in Canada, told the congregation at St Michael’s church that she felt honoured to call him her father-in-law. She described him as a “special and loving husband, father and grandad.”

“He was one of a kind who can never be replaced. He loved his family unconditionally. Our family is absolutely heartbroken but we will hold on to the wonderful memories that we were so fortunate to share with such a special person to help us through this huge loss.” she said.

“We will remember the family barbecues that were full of love, laughter, jokes, and good food." Domenica recalled happier times when the family would take trips together.

“We will remember all our family trips to Tramore and Bunratty Castle and how much he enjoyed Dooleys fish and chips and a good old apple tart with tea. We will remember him pulling change out of his pocket for an ice cream and sweets for a special treat for his grandchildren.”

Poignantly, Teddy’s daughter-in-law mentioned his love of hurling saying that the family will cherish the memory of going with him to his last All Ireland hurling semi final at Croke Park, and remembering him being able to see Tipperary win.

“He was the most generous, selfless, and genuine person with a radiant smile and a heart of gold. We will miss the banter and the hugs, we will miss his presence, we will miss the laughter, and we will miss him truly and deeply,” she said.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the St Michael's Avenue area between 7pm and 10pm on Friday, September 12, to come forward.

They are particularly interested in anyone with video footage, including dashcam, that may assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tipperary Town Garda Station on 062 80670, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.