‘He was very much a Newmarket man. He loved the place and the people’: Large crowds gather to bid farewell to Cllr Gerard Murphy

The town of Newmarket came to a standstill on Friday as members of the community gathered to bid a fond farewell to Cllr Gerard Murphy who passed away on Monday, April 15.

Large crowds attended the funeral Mass held at St Mary’s Church in Newmarket, while there was a guard of honour provided by Cllr Murphy’s colleagues in Cork County Council.

President Michael D Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp Colonel Stephen Howard.

Taoiseach Simon Harris was represented by his aide-de-camp Commandant Claire Mortimer.

Other distinguished guests included the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn, political colleagues in Cork County Council, TDs and employees of Cork County Council who served with Cllr Murphy on many committees.

Fr Francis Manning PP in St Mary’s Church, Newmarket who was assisted by Fr Bartie O’Doherty reflected on Cllr Murphy’s many achievements during his life.

Fr Manning said Gerard left an imprint on his home and his community. “Leaving our mark on the lives and hearts of others. Leaving our mark on a community. While we know that like footprints in the sand some of our memories and achievements will be washed away with the tide and time. Some things can outlast the passage of time like Gerard’s imprints all over our community. As a public servant Gerard served the people of the community, striving to make the quality of life better for the people of his community. Gerard will be missed from the home and from the community.”

Fr Manning also acknowledged Cllr Murphy’s political journey which stretched back a number of decades.

Mr Murphy was one of the longest serving public representatives in Cork County Council and he was a lifelong community activist.

Mr Murphy also served in Dáil Eireann for the Cork North West constituency from 2002 to 2007 for Fine Gael.

Fr Manning said Cllr Murphy had no intention of hanging up his boots. “Gerard wasn’t one for slowing down. He had no intention of hanging up his boots just yet. The machine was very much up and running for the upcoming election. Gerard was proud of his work. He gave people time, which was at times what people really needed. Of course it couldn’t have been achieved without Marian and his family Trish and Donncha.”

Cllr Murphy’s son Donncha who spoke on behalf of the family thanked everyone for their support in recent days during a heartfelt address.

Mr Murphy reflected on his father’s upbringing in Newmarket. “He would have been a little bit embarrassed but extremely proud to have two representatives coming down from the Taoiseach and the President. He grew up not too far from here. His mom had a big influence on his political leanings. She was very proud of what he went on to achieve. His dad was a kind and caring man and I think dad got a lot of his traits. He had a loving family.”

Donncha said his father had a few jobs before he fulfilled his dreams of becoming a full-time politician. “He flirted around with teaching, a bit of business as well. Straight to the post office where we made unbelievable friends. Mom took over the post office and he followed his dreams of becoming a full time politician. Being elected chairman was a highlight. He got to the Dáil in 2002. He loved his time up there, but he preferred the local level. He didn’t want to be away from mom, Cork and Newmarket. He adored her and he would openly admit that he wouldn’t have achieved anything without her.”

Turning his attention to his family, Donncha provided an insight into Cllr Murphy’s role as a parent. “Trish was the clear favourite. The competition wasn’t hectic! They had a strong bond. Dad would light up when you would walk into a room. My chance of getting top spot as the baby child ended with Ethan and Mya. I couldn’t compete. Dad was so proud to see them grow up.”

“Politics is a tough game,” said Donncha referring to his father’s love of politics. “He never said a bad word of anyone ever. He loved Cork North West. He loved everything about it. He was very much a Newmarket man. He loved the place and the people.”

A short poem titled ‘Gerard’ was subsequently read out by Fr Manning.

The closing lines captured Cllr Murphy love for his family and community perfectly. “A father, a husband, a brother, a dear friend. Gerard’s legacy of warmth will never end. In the hearts of many his spirit will live on. A man of honour. Never seeking fame. May his legacy forever shine bright, guiding all he helped both day and by night.”

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