The Derrygonnelly Harps clubman was a hugely respected member of the club and passed away on Tuesday evening following a battle with illness.
Fermanagh has led the tributes and offered its prayers and thoughts to his wife and extended family after the loss.
“Last night and this morning, club members heard the sad news that John Murphy had passed away after his illness, a cancer diagnosis typically and bravely borne by him,” the statement read on their X account.
“We are just so sorry for John, one of our best-liked and popular members, a brilliant Harps man in so many different ways. We knew this day was coming, but that does not make it any less difficult and just pure sadness.
“Whatever about our sadness, we know the anguish and sense of loss for his wife, Aine; his parents; his brother; his sister; his children; and his whole family is even keener. Everyone involved with the club extends their most heartfelt sympathies to them.”
Fermanagh LGFA also paid tribute to the late referee and offered its condolences in a similar fashion:
“John was such a force of nature. Strong-willed, good-hearted, humorous, determined, and fiercely loyal to the core.
"After meeting the love of his life, Aine, at a Ladies Referees course all those years ago, John got involved with Fermanagh LGFA, helping out with organising fixtures, goalkeeper mentorship, gate collections at matches, trophy presentations, helping with hospitality, or in any way he could or was needed. John was your man.
"He worked diligently in the background for the betterment of Fermanagh Ladies, right up to the end of this season, as our Referee Appointments Officer, our CODA Officer, as well as match referee.
"To his beloved wife, Aine; his parents, Sean and Annette; his siblings, Patrick and Janette; his children; his in-laws, Vincent and Geraldine Martin; his entire family circle; his circle of friends; and Derrygonnelly Harps clubmates, we keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this truly heartbreaking time and forever."
