Tomas Murray is a native of New Ross. His parents were teachers and Tomas was brought up in a family that was steeped in Irish culture, language and tradition. He was educated in the CBS New Ross. However, he spent his last year of Secondary Education in St. Peter's College.
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Secondary School, Tom went to St. Peter's Seminary. It was while in the Seminary Tomas began his acting career. It was the year that the College 'Opera' was cancelled and the students decided to stage a concert instead. He appeared in a five minute sketch with such dignitaries as the Rev. Matthias Glynn and the Rev. Aidan Jones. Believe it or not Tomas forgot his lines every night. So awful was the sketch that on the fifth and final night of the show they pulled the curtain. Little did anybody think then that his performance would improve to the extent that he would be winning best actor awards at local, regional and national drama festivals. |
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After a stint at UCD where he was lectured by such notables as Cardinal O'Connell, then Prof. O'Connell, he returned to S.P.C. to teach Irish and later English. Not only were his parents teachers but his entire family (with the exception of one) taught. In this respect the Murrays were pipped at the post by another great teaching family from New Ross - the Rev. John O'Brien's family. Not only was Tomas an excellent teacher but he spent many man hours involved in extra curricular activities like coaching students for Irish debates. He also produced eight 'Operas' and four fourth-year plays. Tomas was a great follower of the College teams, hurling in particular. He is missed on the staff for his post match commentaries. These were usually more exciting than the matches themselves. Tom Dempsey has publicly thanked Tomas for giving him invaluable encouragement and advice in his early hurling days. He prefers this side of his life to remain something of a secret as any modest man would. May I also add that he has written for many years for this school magazine without the fees and royalties that were promised by Mr. J. Moynihan. On my own behalf and on behalf of the staff of S.P.C. we wish Tomas many years of good health and a happy retirement. |