Walsh's poem is a stunning tribute to Murphy

Friday 02 June 2023 09:55

In the emotional finale of 'Jimmy Murphy: Sculpting A Hero', our new MUTV Original, renowned poet Tony Walsh delivers a spine-tingling ode to the late Manchester United icon.

Walsh, a lifelong Red, was commissioned to write and perform his poem for the official unveiling of Murphy’s statue, outside Old Trafford’s Stretford End on 3 May.

The monument was installed following a fans’ campaign to mark the 65-year anniversary of Sir Matt Busby’s assistant manager taking charge of United in the aftermath of the Munich Air Disaster.

Miraculously, Jimmy led a patched-up team all the way to the 1958 FA Cup final and, 65 years on, it is only fitting that we release our documentary in the days leading up Erik ten Hag’s Reds walking out at Wembley Stadium. 
Tony Walsh’s ‘Jimmy Murphy, Without Whom’ Video

Tony Walsh’s ‘Jimmy Murphy, Without Whom’

In 'Jimmy Murphy: Sculpting A Hero', Tony Walsh performs a spine-tingling poem that sums up why we love United...

Those who attended the ceremony spoke about the power of Walsh’s words and his poem provides a sensational ending to ‘Jimmy Murphy: Sculpting A Hero’. 

Every single syllable of Walsh’s poem, ‘Jimmy Murphy, Without Whom’, is a moving tribute to the man who kept our great club alive in its darkest hour. 

Watch it above and make sure you devour every word – you won’t regret it. 

WORDS THAT MOVE THE WORLD

Walsh, also known as 'Longfella', is one of the UK’s most widely acclaimed professional poets and a passionate United supporter to boot.

A writer and performer of great repute, his words have reached and inspired millions of people all around the world. 

Entirely self-taught with proud working-class roots, Tony’s powerful writing and electrifying performances have captured the public's attention.

Jimmy Murphy: Sculpting A Hero Video

Jimmy Murphy: Sculpting A Hero

MUTV Original | 'Jimmy Murphy: Sculpting A Hero' tells the story of a richly-deserved statue unveiling, on 3 May 2023...

A now iconic performance of his poem 'This Is The Place' in the wake of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing is perhaps his most recognised work to date.

Notably, Walsh has previously paid tribute to another man with a statue at Old Trafford, in Sir Alex Ferguson, writing ‘The Govan Boy’ to commemorate the opening of Sir Alex Ferguson Way. 

‘Jimmy Murphy: Sculpting A Hero’ is available to watch now via the United App, ManUtd.com and MUTV.

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