‘He leaves a legacy of achievement that is widely recognised’

THE Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan and the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn have extended their ‘deepest’ sympathies to the family and friends of Fine Gael councillor Gerard Murphy following his death.

Cllr Murphy who was a native of Newmarket was one of the longest serving public representatives in Cork County Council and a lifelong community activist.

Cllr Murphy was first elected to Cork County Council in 1992 and he served as Cathaoirleach of Cork County Council from 1995 to 1996.

Elected to Dáil Eireann for Cork North West from 2002-2007, where he served as Vice-Chairman of the Justice and Equality Committee, Cllr Murphy returned to local politics representing Kanturk Mallow Municipal District and the Southern Regional Assembly.

In a statement, Mayor O’Flynn and Ms O’Sullivan said Cllr Murphy brought a wealth of experience and knowledge, particularly in the area of planning and development, and commitment to his role as a representative.

Mr O’Flynn and Ms O’Sullivan in their statement outlined how Cllr Murphy was a founder member of the IRD Duhallow and supported the establishment of Cultúrlann Newmarket, transforming the former Church into a heritage and cultural centre, and was instrumental in the development, through the securing of grant funding, of the popular walking amenity Island Wood in Newmarket.

“Housing projects, too numerous to mention, had been a key focus for Cllr Murphy, together with supporting various community and sporting groups in the Kanturk and Newmarket electoral areas such as the Newmarket community playground.

“Cllr Murphy will be deeply missed by the elected members of Kanturk Mallow Municipal District and Cork County Council, the executive and staff of Cork County Council as well as all those who had the pleasure of collaborating with him. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gerard who will be forever remembered,” they added.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West Michael Creed also paid tribute to the late Cllr Murphy. “It was with great sadness that I heard the news of the passing of my friend and former Fine Gael colleague Cllr Gerard Murphy. The architect of many successes for Fine Gael in Cork North West, he was a consummate political tactician.”

“He leaves a legacy of achievement that is widely recognised,” said Deputy Creed. “He was driven by the pursuit of progress for his constituents, both at a personal and a community level. As well as our close political affiliation, Gerard was a personal friend over many years. I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to his wife Marian and their family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”