RTÉ television ‘legend’ Arthur Murphy (90) dies
TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of former RTÉ presenter Arthur Murphy, aged 90.
Murphy became a household name when he fronted the popular ‘Mailbag’ TV series, which ran from 1982 until 1996. During his busy broadcasting career, he directed music programme ‘Just For You’ and he appeared on ‘Music For You’.
In 2016, the ‘Ray D’Arcy Show’ on RTÉ Radio 1 brought Mr Murphy back to the national airwaves to present ‘Emailbag’ once a week, following a stint on D’Arcy’s morning show on Today FM.
He also enjoyed a singing career, and was produced by legendary Beatles collaborator George Martin and sang with Shirley Bassey.
RTÉ director general Dee Forbes led tributes to Mr Murphy yesterday.
She said: “Arthur occupies a special place in Irish broadcasting history, having brought his own unique brand of warmth, respect and wit to his appearances on air, not least with ‘Mailbag’ which became such a popular programme for so long among viewers.
“He had such a distinguished career in broadcasting in Ireland and the UK, something he clearly loved. That he continued to broadcast with the same unique delivery and wit to the very end is testament to his professionalism and to his popularity.
“He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends, both in RTÉ and across the world of broadcasting.”
Will Hanafin, producer of the ‘Ray D’Arcy Show’, said he was honoured to have known and worked with Murphy. He posted on Twitter: “Really sad to tell you that the broadcasting legend Arthur Murphy died yesterday.
“It was a privilege to write the Emailbag script for him for 10 years.
“A consummate broadcaster and gentleman who lived an incredible life, sharing a stage with Jimi Hendrix.
“He was produced by The Beatles producer George Martin, had a music career as Mark Dwayne, singing with Shirley Bassey, and of course presented mailbag on @Rte TV from 1982... we’ll miss him...
“Commiserations to his sons on their sad loss.”
Mr Murphy’s wife Patricia died in 2016. He is survived by his sons Shane and Mark.