It seems completly surreal sitting here at an internet kiosk in Portugal having to write a tribute to a great clubman but also a great friend. I think when someone so special to so many passes away it is important that they are remembered the correct way. Savvy was the ultimate clubman, the fact that he died at the door of the clubhouse says it all, he lived, breathed & died for Crosshaven AFC. Every spare hour was used tending to the pitches, cutting the grass on his pride & joy, the Grasshopper mower with customised number plate. He went to every game that he could home/away, he went out every Monday to do the clubs lotto draw while also holding a place on the club's committee. People like Savvy are irreplaceable, one in a million. He shared in the clubs triumphs but was also on hand to get things moving when occasionally the club wasn't doing so well. I'd encourage anyone to go to Camden at the moment & look at the top pitch that Sav was getting ready for Augusts match. It is absolutely immaculate but then again he was a perfectionist. Anyone that ever had Sav do a plastering job for them will testify that he was never happy until the job was done right.

From a personal point of view Savvy was like a family member, there for every family occassion, births, deaths & marriages. He was the one that sourced our family home, he was always there for our kids, he travelled near & far with us, he was also like our personal handyman at times. You could argue with him as Savvy was incredibly stubborn but it was always difficult to stay mad at him for long. As club Chairman he always had my back even when I was wrong. A true sign of a loyal friend.

Arrangements for his removal & funeral have been released with the removal 5pm Sunday from Fordes in Carrigaline. The funeral Monday at 11:30 from St. Brigids, Crosshaven. Let's give him the send off he deserves.

To his sisters Sally & Susan, brothers Finbarr & Billy & of course his extended family & friends we extend our sincerest condolences. To the all those who tended to Sav, the players from the Legends team, the emergency response units, ambulance crew, doctors, our friends at Crosshaven GAA, Passage AFC we thank you for all for your efforts.

Crosshaven AFC won't be the same without you Sav.

Rest in peace,

Seamus Murphy - Chairman