Long-serving Newmarket councillor to be laid to rest

The funeral of Cork County Councillor and former TD Gerard Murphy will take place tomorrow, Friday.

The Fine Gael councillor was one of the longest serving public representatives in Cork County Council and a lifelong community activist, most notably in his hometown of Newmarket.

He passed away on Monday surrounded by loved ones at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork city.

Cllr Murphy was first elected to the county council in 1992 serving as cathaoirleach of Cork County Council from 1995 to 1996, bringing to the post a wealth of experience, particularly in the area of planning and development.

He was elected to Dáil Eireann as a TD for Cork North West in 2002 where he served as vice-chairman of the Justice and Equality Committee.

Cllr Murphy returned to local politics in 2007 representing Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District and the Southern Regional Assembly.

An Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris TD, expressed his condolences: “He wore his commitment to community development with pride and fought tirelessly for local funding, including significant projects like the Newmarket community playground.

“To Marian, their children, and the grandchildren, my deepest sympathy at this very difficult time,” added the Taoiseach.

Fellow Kanturk-Mallow representative, Cllr John Paul O’Shea, said: “I have known Gerard Murphy for many years, and he has always been a good friend and mentor to me.

“His knowledge of local government was exceptional, and he was always proud of the work that Cork County Council did on behalf of the people of Cork county.”

Cllr Gerard Murphy will be laid to rest tomorrow at Clonfert Cemetery following a requiem mass at St Mary’s Church.