Taoiseach leads tributes following death of former TD and councillor Gerard Murphy

Taoiseach Simon Harris has led the tributes to Gerard Murphy, a former TD and one of the longest-serving public representatives in Cork County Council, following his death.

Mr Murphy, a proud Fine Gael member and native of Newmarket, was first elected to Cork County Council in 1992 and served as Cathaoirleach from 1995 to 1996.

He was elected to the Dáil for Cork North West from 2002 to 2007, serving as Vice-Chairman of the Justice and Equality Committee. Mr Murphy returned to local politics representing Kanturk Mallow Municipal District and the Southern Regional Assembly.

An Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris paid tribute to Mr Murphy and has expressed his condolences.

“It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Councillor Gerard Murphy today. He was a dedicated public representative who loved his local areas of Kanturk and Newmarket, serving them with great loyalty, hard work, and distinction.

"Solving problems and finding solutions for the people he represented was at the heart of everything he did," the Taoiseach said. 

“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. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West Michael Creed also paid tribute to Mr Murphy.

“Gerard was a personal friend of mine for over many years.

“An architect of the many successes in Cork North West, he was a consummate political tactician.

“He was driven by the pursuit of progress for his constituents, both at a personal and community level, and leaves a legacy of achievement that is widely recognised.”