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Robert 'Spud' Murphy

IRA Volunteer Robert 'Spud' Murphy was born 9 November 1957, to the late Francis and Sarah Murphy in the Ormeau area of South Belfast. He attended St Brendan's, then St Comgall's primary schools on the Falls Road before moving to St Augustine's on the Ravenhill Road.

The family had to move to Turf Lodge, at the outset of the conflict in the 1960s. He was first arrested in November 1976 but was released soon after. He immediately became active again but had to go on the run. When he returned home he was arrested and sentenced to the H Blocks of Long Kesh where he served 16 years. He was released in September 1995 on license and returned to Turf Lodge, and once again joined the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann.

Robert Murphy was diagnosed with cancer in November 2000 and fought very hard. He led as normal a life as he could, never complained, in fact, many people did not know that the cancer was spreading through his body.

He met Bernie on March 2001 and they married on 7 of July 2006. Spud died on 7 September 2006.

Delivering the funeral oration at Milltown cemetery Robert Campbell said that as with all IRA Volunteers, much of Spud's life and work must remain private.

"Like thousands of other republicans, Spud saw the inside of prison. During the years that he was imprisoned Spud's unassuming yet mischievous ways endeared him to his comrades.

"Sometimes captured republicans approach imprisonment as a time to sit out and await eventual release. Spud was different. For him imprisonment was another barrier to cross, another site of struggle. Spud was one of those gifted individuals who had an amazing ability to retain information. In prison that was a valuable asset. Information and knowledge empower you. So in prison the enemy tries to limit your scope for information. Spud was one of a trusted group of republicans tasked with reversing that situation. He and his comrades did it with great effect, to the benefit of the IRA inside and outside of Long Kesh. When the real story of the prison struggle is told, Spud will feature as a key figure."

Campbell said that during his illness Spud still enjoyed the company of friends and hid the fact that he was feeling sick.

"Bernie and Spud had an all too short time together. Their wedding was a great day. Those of us who knew them, knew only too well the happiness and joy they brought to each other.

"In whatever way spud touched our lives we will remember it. We will continue to miss him. Our hurt cannot measure up to that felt by Bernie and their children - Paul, Christopher, Stephen, Samantha, and Danielle or Spud's brothers Peter and Patrick or his sisters Frances, Maura, Bridie and Angela."

"I want to express my admiration for the way in which they faced these trying times with Spud. I want to thank Bernie especially for allowing his comrades to honour Spud in the way that he wanted and with the dignity that he deserved.

"Our struggle is only weakened by the passing of Volunteers like Spud if we do not follow the example he left us.

"As a husband, brother, IRA Volunteer and as a friend we are all proud to have been with Spud.