We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Des Murphy on Tuesday 30th December 2025.
Des was a founder member of the Irish Tenpin Bowling Association (ITBA) and served on the first committee.
Des began his bowling career in Stillorgan Bowl the week it opened in 1963, competing in the first Leagues in 1964, the ‘Monday Premier Fives’ and the ‘Tuesday Mixed Foursomes’.
In 1973 and 1976 Des won the ITBA National Championships and won medals in every Division during his career. In 1997 he added Senior National Champion to his résumé, along with multiple Senior National Medals throughout the years.
On the international stage Des competed in:
– the ‘1st International Masters’ in Stillorgan in 1965 and in the 4th
edition in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1968.
– the World Championships in Malmo, Sweden, in 1967, where he
made the All Events finals in Malmo, averaging 191 for 28 games
and also competed in London in 1975.
– the 1973 Bowling World Cup (BWC) in Singapore and the 1977
BWC in Bogota, Colombia.
– the European Championships in Dublin in 1973 finishing
in 21st place in the all events finals, and competed in Frankfurt in
1981.
– 8 Adult Triple Crowns, captaining the team on most occasions.
– played on the Senior Triple Crown Team (STC) from 1996 to 2001,
winning various STC medals over the years, including being the
STC All Events Champion in 1998.
Other accolades include:
– finishing 6th in the ‘Salon de L’Auto Tournament in Geneva’,
Switzerland in 1970, with his partner Frank Duffy.
– In 1975 in London he won the ‘Bowlers Journal International
Tournament’ which ran at the Airport Bowl during the World
Championships.
– In 1980 he was Irish Masters Champion.
– Honorary Member of the Irish Tenpin Bowling Association and
Tenpin Ireland.
Des also served as Ireland Team Manager from 1983 to 1988 and did a lot of coaching with league bowlers in Stillorgan over the years.
For those wishing to pay their respects, details of Des’ reposing (Saturday 3rd January 2026, 2-4pm), and the committal and celebration of life service which will take place on Monday 5th January 2026 at 2pm, can be found here: https://rip.ie/…/desmond-des-murphy-dublin-palmerstown…
“Des was one of the last great characters of Irish Tenpin Bowling. I don’t think we will see anyone like him again. May he rest in peace” (Paddy Gibbons).
Thanks to Paddy Gibbons for providing the above information.
Our thoughts are with all of Des’ family and friends at this sad time. May he rest in peace.