West Cork Fianna Fáil councillor remembered ‘as lovely to work with’

Tributes have been paid to West Cork Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy, who passed away unexpectedly on Friday.

The popular councillor passed away at his home in Ballylickey, outside Bantry, but was originally from Ahabrock, Eyeries, in Beara.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised, and Cork County Council said that arrangements for a book of condolence will be issued in due course.

A councillor since 2008, Mr Murphy served as mayor of the county of Cork from 2018 to 2019.

He was actively involved in the GAA and community and voluntary initiatives across West Cork.

Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington told The Echo: “He was lovely to work with and very easy to get on with. It’s a big shock, the sudden passing. We were in County Hall on Monday and he was there, in good form, so it’s a shock then a few days later to find out he’s passed away.”

He expressed his condolences to Mr Murphy’s brothers Michael and Noel and his wider family.

Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins said: “Patrick Gerard and I have worked together in the council for the past 10 years nearly, and I can say we never had a bad word between us. If we had a difference in opinion, we would try to work it out.

“His sudden death has come as an awful shock to everyone, I will miss him big time as we have and were working together with council executive on a few projects for the area. May my colleague and great friend rest in peace.

“You will be missed.”

Mayor of the County of Cork, Mary Linehan Foley, said Mr Murphy “was not only a colleague, but also a friend to many across this chamber”.

“His passion for his community, his dedication to public service, and the kindness with which he performed his duties distinguished him in every role he held.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Mr Murphy as “a natural public representative” who “was passionate about community development and worked tirelessly on behalf of the communities he represented”.

“Patrick overcame adversity in his early life with great courage and determination. He continued to advocate for people with disabilities,” he added.

“On a personal basis, I always enjoyed his company and found him friendly, kind, and insightful. His was an important and respected voice within the party along with his community and county.”