Carmel and Tom Murphy married on April 16, 1955, marking seven decades together. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Few couples will reach an anniversary like Tom and Carmel Murphy have.
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Marrying at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Strathmore on April 16, 1955, they have shared 70 years of stories together.
Tom came to Melbourne from Dublin as a “Ten Pound Pom”, finding work at VicRail, while Carmel was working for Ansett Airlines.
First seeing each other at a party, the two officially met at a dance on Russell St in the heart of Melbourne.
“I went with somebody else (to the party) because I didn’t know Tom, and all he did all night was (gesturing to come over) to me,” Carmel said.
“And this fella said to me, ‘what’s wrong with that fella?’.
“I went to a dance at Russell St, and who should walk in? Thomas and another Irishman.”
The pair began chatting and Tom finally got to dance with Carmel.
“I was with my girlfriend, Mary, and Mary said, ‘oh they’re nice’ and I said, ‘I know one of them’,” Carmel said.
“I had a dance with him ... and he said, ‘I think I’ve met you’ and I said ‘yes, I think you have’.”
Carmel and Tom wed at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Strathmore.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Tom and Carmel were together for six months before marrying.
They spent many years travelling around Victoria for Tom’s job working on the railways, living in Goorambat, Camperdown and Echuca as their family grew.
The Murphys quickly expanded from two to eight as they welcomed six children: Colleen, Alannah, Janine, Gavin, Diane and Sharon.
After becoming empty-nesters, the couple moved to Hay and opened a coffee lounge.
After selling their business, Tom and Carmel looked to return to Echuca, settling in Rochester.
“We went around and looked at all the place and we were very impressed, because everyone spoke to us, young kids and all,” Carmel said.
“So, we bought a home in High St and we were there for six, seven years.
“Then, Tom got cancer and they told him they’ve got six months to 12 months, and now it’s been 25 years.”
The couple celebrated 70 years of marriage with a lunch on Wednesday, April 16.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The Murphys have lived at Restdown Retirement Village for more than two decades.
They enjoy living in Rochester and the community it has provided them, including through their volunteering.
Tom has been involved in foodbank, St Vincent de Paul and visiting and spending time with the residents at Restdown and at REDHS.
Carmel also worked with St Vincent de Paul, as well as visiting community members and taking them to doctors appointments.
Looking back on their seven decades together, Carmel believes there are some magic words that have helped their marriage stand the test of time.
“Yes dear, no dear,” she said.
Tom’s secret is no different.
“I always have the last word — yes dear,” he said.
Carmel’s sage advice for a happy relationship is all about communication.
“If you’ve had an argument, never go to sleep without saying something,” she said.
“Always apologise when you’re wrong.”
Celebrating the remarkable milestone are (clockwise from left) Gen Keenan, Gavin Houlihan, Maureen Leahy and Leslie McKenzie with Carmel and Tom Murphy.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The Murphy family tree includes 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who are spread across Australia.
Some of the couple’s local friends gathered to celebrate on their anniversary with a lunch at the Criterion Hotel, while the family will catch up together in Melbourne next month.
“We’ve had a good life,” Carmel said.
“No trouble with the kids, everything has been really good.”
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