Statement from Cork County Council on passing of Cllr Gerard Murphy RIP

It is with great sadness that we make this statement on the passing of Councillor Gerard Murphy RIP.  Cllr Murphy was one of the longest serving public representatives in Cork County Council and a lifelong community activist, most notably in his hometown of Newmarket.

A proud member of Fine Gael, Cllr Murphy was first elected to Council in 1992 serving as Cathaoirleach of Cork County Council from 1995 to 1996.  Cllr Murphy bought a wealth of experience, knowledge, particularly in the area of planning and development, and commitment to his role as a representative.

Elected to Dáil Eireann 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.

Cllr Murphy was a founder member of the IRD Duhallow, 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.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn and Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan