Plaques bearing name of former Lord Mayor convicted of sexual assault removed from Cork City

Eva Osborne

The granddaughter of a former Lord Mayor of Cork City has welcomed the removal of two plaques in the city bearing his name.

John Murray was convicted in 2013 of the sexual assault of his granddaughter, Elaine, on dates between March 1996 and October 1998 and served 12 months in prison. He died three years later in 2016.

The plaques were installed on South Gate Bridge and North Main Street Shopping Centre during John Murray's time as a councillor and while he served as Lord Mayor from 1993 to 1994.

Elaine Murray said the removal of the plaques after a 12 and half year battle with the City Council brings closure for her and her family.

In a statement, Cork City Council said: “Cork City Council can confirm that two plaques bearing the name of a man convicted of serious criminal offences have now been removed from public structures in the city centre.

"The decision was taken following recent and direct consultation with those directly impacted by his crimes.

"Their perspectives and wishes were central in this process and we hope the move gives them closure.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.