Fr Murphy’s success based on ability to draw together disparate communities
SIR,
Further to the many tributes to Fr Murphy in recent weeks, I wish to add mine.
I have such fond memories of Fr Murphy. We first met in Sneem in 1985 and developed a friendship during the following years. Whenever in Sneem, I made a point of meeting him for a cup of tea and slice of apple pie, then Kenmare and finally Killarney.
Just a few short months ago, I visited him in the nursing home, and I reminded him of the story he liked to tell about Killarney’s progression in the Tidy Towns Competition: “In the early years you could set light to the kerbside litter in front of the Friary and it would burn all the way down to the Cathedral”.
Having been a Tidy Towns judge, I was appointed by Bord Fáilte and Kerry County
Council to prepare specific plans for 20 or so towns and villages including Sneem, Kenmare and Killarney. It is no coincidence that these three won the competition during Fr Murphy’s tenure.
His ability to enthusiastically draw together disparate communities was a testament to his Christian values. His love of nature as it transcended from the inherent wild beauty of Kerry, to the taming of the approach roads and cultivation of the town parks to his own vegetable garden was especially inspirational.
I have met many people on my life’s journey; Fr Murphy was truly a kindred spirit and a privilege to have known,
Sincerely, Stephen Newell
B Arch FRIAI MIDI Ballycorus
Dublin 18