A MEMORIAL rugby match in Builth Wells last week was a fitting tribute to a local man who died suddenly just after Christmas last year.

Murray Beehan was a popular figure in the town and was honoured at last week’s game, which was organised by his younger brother Ryan, who had craved doing something “worthwhile” to remember Murray following his death.

The game, which pitted Mid Wales rivals Builth and Gwernyfed against each other, ended in an emphatic 44-7 win for the hosts, with Murray’s youngest sibling lifting the inaugural Murray Beehan Memorial Cup trophy after the match, held on Thursday, July 29.

A large crowd turned out on the Groe to watch the game and, following a long absence from competitive rugby due to the coronavirus pandemic, they were treated to a long overdue spectacle from the Bulls who ran in eight tries. Ashley Mills and Ryan Jones both dotted down twice, while there were scores for Shaun Coyle, Rhodri Jones, Rhys Lewis and Connor Granell, with the visitors grabbing a late consolation score.

“I thought of the idea for the match about a week after he passed away,” said Ryan, 29, who played in the game.

“The initial idea was an invitational match between two Builth sides but I spoke to the club and we came up with this idea. We’re lucky living here in Builth because when something tragic like this happens, people do a lot of good things for other people out of the kindness of their hearts.”

County Times: Inspirational: Murray Beehan. Picture by Steven ParryInspirational: Murray Beehan. Picture by Steven Parry

Murray played for Builth in his youth but was forced to stop playing both rugby and football competitively at 13 due to kidney issues he was born with.

After suffering kidney failure at birth, Murray, know by most as ‘Muz’, was on a dialysis machine for four hours a day until the age of five, when his third kidney transplant was successful.

After that operation in 1992, he played football and rugby for Builth at junior level before being forced to stop because had a knock or tackle damaged his transplanted kidney, it could have killed him.

Murray instead channelled his energy elsewhere – into athletics and swimming; fields where hard work and perseverance paid off and saw him win gold medals in the 100-metre sprint, long jump and three swimming disciplines at the 2002 British Transplant Games. Those miraculous feats earned him a place in the Team GB squad for the World Transplant Games a year later, in France. He competed two years later in Canada and again in South Africa in 2013 – winning medals on each occasion.

“I thought the rugby match was a good idea because he had a lot to do with a lot of people and the rugby club,” added Ryan, whose older sibling coached Builth 2nds for a stint several years ago.

“But he was also just a great athlete in general when he was a kid, which maybe some people would not have known. He was a great swimmer and had a lot of success in the pool.

“I came up with the idea because I had quite a lot to do with the seconds when Murray was in charge. I was in university at the time and would travel to meet the team at games. We haven’t been able to play recently so I thought it was fitting.

“It was just my way of doing something to feel better and to do something worthwhile in his memory. Mum and dad want to organise a party but the rugby match was my sort of tribute to my brother.”

County Times: Murray's youngest brother Ryan came up with the idea for the memorial matchMurray's youngest brother Ryan came up with the idea for the memorial match

The idea is being floated to make the memorial game an annual event, but discussions will be held to solidify that possibility.

Murray’s mum Alvina said: “Myself, Patrick (Murray’s dad), Tatum (Murray’s partner) and our family would like to thank Builth Rugby Club and Ryan for organising the Murray Beehan Memorial Cup and their support during this recent difficult time.

“We would also like to thank the players from Builth and Gwernyfed who produced a great, entertaining game for the large crowd, with the event raising over £1,100 for Kidney Research.”

Murray was only 34 when he passed away suddenly at home on December 30, 2020. His funeral was held at St Mary’s Church in Builth on Saturday, January 16.