'A real gentleman': Tributes paid to Gerard Murphy at special meeting of Cork County Council 

The County Mayor councillor Frank O'Flynn led tributes to the late Gerard Murphy at a special meeting of Cork County Council held to honour the late councillor in his hometown of Newmarket.

Cork County Mayor Frank O’Flynn opened the meeting, saying “he was a colleague, a friend, a confidante, and he was always there,” and proposed a vote of sympathy for his wife Marian, children, Donncha and Trish, and two grandchildren, Ethan and Mya.

Mr 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, Mr Murphy was first elected to Council in 1992. 

“It was a life of service, and he was so proud of the community he served,” the Mayor said, adding “wasn’t he kind, wasn’t he gentle, but above all, wasn’t he solid? When things got going tough, Ger was always there to steer the boat right.” 

His party and ward colleague John Paul O’Shea said that Gerard has always been a mentor to him, remembering “he really excelled when it came to county and area development plans.

"I’d call over to his house and he’d have every plan spread across his table so he could have them all studied.” 

'He will be sorely missed'

Carrigaline Fianna Fáil councillor Seamus McGrath described him as “an absolute gentleman – an unassuming, humble public servant and an astute politician who will be sorely missed.” 

His political ability was echoed by Councillor Declan Hurley, who said “we were a richer local authority for having Ger as an elected member, his ability to keep meetings on track was exemplary – he sat back, he listened, but at a crucial time, he intervened.

“It was my pleasure to work with him and to know him – rest easy my friend, job well done.” 

Cobh Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen said that when meetings were difficult "he was always there to remind us why we were there – not for ourselves, but for the people of the county,” while Councillor Alan O’Connor called him “a senior statesman in the chamber, and a very nice man outside the chamber, very easy to talk to.” 

East Cork Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty agreed, saying “he was a very solid, safe pair of hands. He would analyse things to the hilt, and he would look at the bigger picture always.” 

'The empty chair'

An emotional tribute was made by Bandon-Kinsale Fine Gael councillor Kevin Murphy, who called the late councillor “my best friend,” saying “the man himself was a genius, every chance I got I’d ring him for advice.

“I am very sad and very lonely,” he said, saying “he was always sitting behind me, and the empty chair is behind me now.” 

His first day in the council was recalled by Bandon-Kinsale Independent councillor Alan Coleman, who was elected the same day as him, saying “ we were newbies together, and in all those years, there was never a cross word between us.” 

Members of his municipal district paid tributes, with Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle saying “he knew we were all in this for the greater good, he recognised that and so he could get things done.” 

Fianna Fáil councillor Bernard Moynihan called him “an excellent colleague, a real calming influence and a super operator and organiser,” with Fianna Fáil councillor Gearoid Murphy saying he was “one of the most genuine people in politics.” 

An interview Gerard Murphy once gave was recalled by Macroom Fine Gael councillor Michael Creed, who told the meeting that when asked what he would like to come back as in the afterlife, “he said he’d love to come back as the Chief Executive of Cork County Council!” 

The humorous side of him was recognised by Macroom Fine Gael councillor Eileen Lynch, who said “he was a rogue, tremendous fun to be around and very witty.”

Chief Executive Valerie O’Sullivan closed the meeting, saying “we will miss his common sense approach, sage advice and wise interventions – he was intelligent, astute, pragmatic and above all a real gentleman.”