Catholic school matriculant didn’t live to see his success

by Admin · Published January 22, 2024 · Updated January 22, 2024

While matriculants throughout South Africa celebrated their achievements this weekend, a student from a Catholic school in Johannesburg never got to know of his great accomplishment of five distinctions.

Declan Murphy, who matriculated from St Benedict’s College in Bedfordview, died tragically on December 28 of head injuries after a fall while on holiday in Plettenberg Bay. He was 19 years old.

He obtained distinction in five subjects in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams, scoring highest in English. His average pass mark was 83,1%.

Headmaster Dave Jeffrey recalled Declan as an all-rounder who excelled in academics and sports, especially swimming, water polo and rugby. He also excelled at public speaking and showed leadership qualities by being head of his house.

Last year, St Benedict’s awarded Declan the Silver Award for Overall Dux. The school described him as “warm, kind [and] compassionate, with a wonderful sense of humour”.

After his tragic death, the Murphy family said on social media: “Declan is and always will be our legend. The most loving and happy young man who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He taught us such a lot in his 19 years and we can say we had the best 19 years with him. We are so proud of him as a family.”

Declan planned to study industrial engineering at Stellenbosch University.

His organs were donated, a request he had made to save lives.

A funeral service was held on January 11 at St Benedict’s College.