A Galway musician who packed a whole lot into his short 34 years of life made his last gig a memorable one – raising thousands for a cancer charity even as he faced his own impending death from the disease.

Martin Murray was much loved in Galway jazz circles in particular, but his musical talent had also taken him around the world – working his way up to becoming Musical Director of the then-largest cruise ship in the world.

Regrettably in 2023 Martin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, passing away in June this year at the age of just 34.

And yet, even at a time of great difficulty in his own life, Martin was determined to think of and to help others.

With that in mind he assembled some of the best jazz musicians in the city for a night of top class jazz music to thank the team at Cancer Care West for their wonderful care – and to help ensure they could continue their work in helping so many others in Galway facing similar difficulties.

It was only three short weeks after this massively successful evening that Martin passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family in the warm care of Galway Hospice.

Inspired by the night and determined to continue his musical legacy, a number of Martin’s closest friends and fellow musicians have come together to form the Martin Murray Foundation.

The Foundation intends to raise funds for those in the West facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as to encourage and support the younger talent in Galway to explore the rich benefits and camaraderie to be found in coming together to learn music.

Martin himself started his career as a young lad here in Galway in the Patrician Boys Band and the Galway Youth Orchestra before joining St Patricks Brass Band and also playing with a number of local jazz bands around town – including the Moonlight Jazz Band and Black Magic Big Band.

That was before he joined Royal Carribean Cruises in 2017, travelling the world – but never forgetting home and always ready to take the stage with his many friends.

So many of those friends will be present for the launch of the Martin Murray Foundation which will take place in the Salthill Hotel on Sunday week, December 15, at 7pm.

Those friends and fellow musicians from the Moonlight Big Band will perform on the night – and all are welcome to come along for a brilliant night of jazz music, while supporting some of the city’s wonderful cancer charities! Entry is free.

Pictured: Honouring his memory… Martin Murray proudly holding the proceeds of his charity jazz night just three weeks before his death.