By Dennis Nash
WHEN I heard last week that Bobby Murphy had decided to bring an end to his years of service to football locally, I had to acknowledge this man’s dedicated career.
Not only have I had the distinct pleasure of sharing with many of Bobby’s footballing activities, but our first experience together came on a pantomime stage!
Bobby and I first met at a Boys Brigade pantomime experience in St Mark’s, which pulled massive crowds to local venues back in the days of the 1960s.
Since then, Bobby has had a full gamut of sporting activity, ranging from team management right through to coaching and administration.
After a playing career, which saw him represent the likes of Ards Rangers in the 1975 Clarence Cup final, Bobby eased into management.
In that capacity he proceeded to take the range at Ards Blues, Ards Rangers and Comber Rec – at every club displaying enthusiasm, talent and achievement.
At an IFA coaching course in Belfast under the leadership of the legendary Billy Bingham in July 1991, Bobby moved into coaching and how he sparkled during the days of the famous Schools of Soccer.
Alongside famous names like Howard Kendall, Billy Hamilton, Alan McDonald, Jimmy Nicholl, Peter Shilton, Sammy McIlroy, Pat Jennings, Gordon Banks and Bryan Hamilton, he conducted events right through that era with confidence, authority and competence.
Most recently, Bobby followed a calling from Ards FC and served as the club’s Academy Director.
Now Bobby has decided to step over into retirement and, even if that means a complete and total departure from all serious involvement in football, his work will continue to have a lasting impact.
