Tributes to former Mayor of Wexford Noel Murphy
TRIBUTES have been paid to the former Mayor of Wexford, Noel Murphy who died last week at the age of 86 years. A lifelong member of the Labour Party, Mr. Murphy of Portside, Rosslare Harbour and formerly of The Folly, Wexford served as Mayor of the town from June 1981 to June 1982.
In a tribute on behalf of all former Mayors of the Borough, former first citizen John Roche described him as a ‘wonderful colleague’ who will be sadly missed by his family, his fellow former public representatives and the many people in Wexford that he assisted over the years.
Wexford TD, Brendan Howlin extended sympathy to his family and said Noel served Wexford with pride and distinction and was always interested in the development of the town, especially its industrial development.
Mr. Murphy contested the local elections for the Labour Party in 1979 and was later co-opted onto what was then Wexford Corporation to take the seat vacated by Philip Corish, serving as a public representative from 1980 to 1985.
‘Noel represented the people of Wexford without fear or favour and before the age of social media, which now makes communication easy, was in personal contact with many of his constituents on a daily basis during that period,’ said Mr. Roche.
‘He brought their concerns to council and ensured that where possible action was taken to alleviate many hardships in society. During his period as Mayor he treated all his
colleagues equally, regardless of their political affiliation or views and ensured that every member got equal speaking time at all the meetings he chaired.
‘He never allowed politics to stand in the way of anything which he saw as being good for Wexford and its people. All those who approached him received a response and he took great pleasure in being able to assist people,’ he said.
‘Since his retirement from active politics Noel was an enthusiastic member of our group which is made up of former mayors and members of the old Wexford Corporation and a supporter of such events as the annual John Barry Commemoration.’
Mr. Murphy is survived by his wife Rosalie; his children Margaret, Christopher, Noel, Anthony, Marty and Jamie; his step children Judith, Yvonne, Shirley and Robert; his brothers Phil and Lar and his sister Sr. Anna (Peg) and his extended family and friends.