Former Wicklow Mayor Mervyn Morrison worked hard for his community
A GUARD of honour made up of past Presidents of Wicklow Rugby Club and representatives from Wicklow Rotary Club was formed as a mark of respect for Mervyn Morrison at his funeral service held at Wicklow Parish Church, Church Hill, on Friday.
Mervyn was the former manager of Bank of Ireland in Wicklow town, but was equally well regarded for his fundraising and charitable work.
A former elected member of Wicklow Town Council, he served as Mayor of Wicklow with great distinction from 2012 to 2013.
He served as club president of Wicklow Rugby Club from 1996 to 1998 and was made an Honorary Life Member in 2010 for his outstanding service to the club over many years.
Mervyn spent his childhood years in County Waterford and County Kildare, before securing a job with Bank of Ireland, which saw him working in Wexford, Tullow and Arklow, before moving to Wicklow town in 1990.
He soon became a much-valued member of the local community and took up roles with both Wicklow District Chamber and the Rotary Club of Wicklow. He instigated many initiatives that Wicklow Chamber can be justifiably proud of, most notably the setting up of Wicklow Enterprise Park Ltd, which went on to generate over 800 jobs for Wicklow town and environs. He represented Wicklow Chamber on the enterprise park’s board for over 20 years.
In addition, he represented Wicklow Chamber in the purchase of the Parochial Hall for the benefit of the community and this would not have come about had it not been for his tenacity and good business acumen.
Always proactive in community endeavours, Mervyn was recognised by an Outstanding Community Service Award in 2008. He also helped raise extensive funds for Church of Ireland, Meals on Wheels, Wicklow Cancer Care, Wicklow Hospice and other organisations.
He ran in the local elections for the first time in 2009, securing a seat on Wicklow Town Council as an Independent. One of the proudest achievements of his very active-life was when he was made Mayor of Wicklow in 2012, making him the second last Mayor the town had before the town councils were abolished.
Mervyn passed away at Blackrock Hospice after bravely battling illness. There was a massive attendance at his funeral on Friday, proving the high-esteem in which he was held, both locally and further afield.
He was the much loved husband of Marie and wonderful Dad to Barbara, Jenny, Jill and Robbie. Papa Merv to his adored grandchildren, Will, Ben, Lucy, Dan, Sophie, Molly, Sarah and Louise, sons-in-law Alan, Brian and Damien and Robbie’s girlfriend Angel. Sadly missed by his twin sister Vivienne, brothers Harry and Ken, brothers-inlaw, sisters-in-law and his many friends.