A Night for Eddie - Eddie Murray’s 50th Birthday Memorial Punk Gig

Eddie Murray, from Carnamuggagh Lower, passed away in November 1998 and his friends and family will get together at No. 58, The Central Bar, Letterkenny, on Saturday, November 23

A night to remember the late Eddie Murray is planned for Letterkenny next month, on what would’ve been his 50th birthday.

Eddie, from Carnamuggagh Lower, passed away in November 1998 and his friends and family will get together at No. 58, The Central Bar, Letterkenny, on Saturday, November 23.

“Join us for an unforgettable night of raw energy, heartfelt memories, and punk spirit as we come together to celebrate what would have been Eddie Murray's 50th birthday,” event organisers say.

“This memorial event is a tribute to Eddie’s life, his love of punk, and the incredible bond he shared with his family and friends. It’s more than just a gig; it's a night for the people who loved him most to gather, reminisce, and remember a very special person. Here Eddie’s younger sister Antoinette explains a bit more who Eddie was and why this night has been organised.

“Edward was my big brother and who I looked up to and adored,” she says. “His passion for art and music was infectious, His laughter, his smile, his wild ways, his love for his friends and family. His protectiveness of his little sis.

“I used to “borrow” his records, tapes and clothes wanting to be like him which often led to him chasing me around Bellas wanting “that” jacket back (ask Fergie!) We used to send the folks off to Manchester with lists of t-shirts and records we wanted which often had Mum down in a basement with “young fellas with strange hair”.

“He would, thanks to the Roarty twins Cathal and Oisin, (fountains of endless punk knowledge), talk to me about the origins of punk and what that meant in terms of sound and lyrics. We’d talk about sleeve covers, poster art and his passion to be a Graphic Designer so he could be on every album even if he wasn't playing on it!

“Edward loved everything from Joy Division, Pistols, Killing Joke, DK, Flux, Crass, Buzzcocks, 2Tone, Faces, Kinks, Mod and Skin Culture, to name but a few!

“I remember only too well the rehearsals in the garage at home with Rat, then Michael, Justy and Shane, the racket they made all in the name of punk, the spray paint of NRG Boom and the Jam are still clearly on the walls by the turf! Punks Not Dead!

“I’ve been fortunate over the years to see, work with and know a lot of these bands. And every time I say to myself, this is for you Edward, I wish you were here, you’d be proud. Tonight is for you, let’s continue the party. Huge thanks to Mary Faughnan and Oisin, the best friends I could ever ask for and Kieran Devenney, no words for all you have done to get this off the ground.”

Music was a huge part of Eddie’s life. His big sister Martina shared how she remembered her mother Mary buying Edward his first guitar in Reynolds of Raphoe, this was a massive step up from only having tin whistle lessons previously. Their father Tony then became the roadie for Edward’s band NRG Boom where all the equipment was jammed into a trailer and driven around the county for gigs. Martina also recalled how Eddie used to steal her biker jacket and the laces from her docs to complete his outfits.

The Murrays would like to extend their sincere thanks to Mark Blaney and The Central Bar for hosting this event. This night came about after Kieran and Antoinette were talking last year about how Eddie’s 50th birthday was coming up. The seed was then planted. Kieran contacted the venue, Mary, Mal, PK and Marty to DJ and Nobody's Heroes agreed to play too.

So please everyone join us as we are raising our glasses to the good times, sharing stories that will bring out laughter and a few tears and have a bit of craic whilst we're at it.

Lineup

DJs PK and Marty: Spinning a special mix of Punk, Ska and New Wave classics!

DJ Mal Carey: Mal Carey will bring a set of alternative tunes.

Nobody's Heroes: The highlight of the night, this live band will tear through a set of pure punk anthems. Their gritty sound and high-energy performance are the perfect tribute to Eddie and the music he loved.

Details

Date: 23rd November 2024

Venue: No. 58 The Central Bar Letterkenny

Time: Doors 8pm

Entry: Free / Collection boxes and t-shirts on the night for IRVA - Irish Road Victims' Association. The IRVA is a non-governmental organisation that provides free information and support to those bereaved or injured by road traffic collisions, and works to reduce dangers on our roads.

Our Facebook event page ‘A Night For Eddie’ will have details where you can donate online if anyone would like to do that.