KILLARNEY and the entire county of Kerry has been greatly saddened to learn of the death of Archdeacon Michael Murphy, the legendary priest who inspired two towns and a village – including Killarney – to the win the prestigious overall award in the national Tidy Towns competition.
He passed away this Saturday morning in Killarney Nursing Home, just weeks before his 95th birthday. He had been unwell since Christmas.
Affectionately known as Fr Tidy, he spearheaded landmark Tidy Towns wins for Sneem, Kenmare and Killarney to complete an incredible hat-trick of national titles. He was hugely popular and respected, not just in Kerry but throughout the entire country.
Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
Kerry’s best-known priest was PP in Sneem when the village won in 1987, he had moved to Kenmare in advance of the town’s success in 2000 and, memorably, he led Killarney to the coveted crown in 2011.
Archdeacon Murphy led by example and he was a familiar sight on the streets and roadways picking up discarded litter and encouraging passers-by to join him in doing so.
He was the guiding hand in Killarney’s push for Tidy Towns and IBAL honours and he was an inspirational and motivational figure on the Killarney Looking Good committee.
The brother of former Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, Archdeacon Michael was originally from Headford and his great work was formally recognised when he was named Kerry Person of the Year by the Kerry Association in Dublin in 2014.
He had previously received a Lifetime Achievement Award, on behalf of the people of his native county, from Kerry County Council.
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