Fr Michael Murphy has been declared Kerry Person of the Year 2014.
The 88-year-old priest, who has been an inspirational figure in the
Tidy Towns movement, was a thoroughly deserving winner of the award at
an announcement at the Killarney Park Hotel on Monday 13th January.
Fr Murphy is affectionately known throughout the
country as ‘Father Tidy’, and is still actively involved in an
organised, voluntary litter-collecting programme in Killarney.
In the
past he has helped lead Sneem (1987), Kenmare (2000) and Killarney
(2011) to the top Tidy Towns prize.
The award was presented by the
Dublin Kerry Association and Archdeacon Murphy was nominated by
Killarney Looking Good/Tidy Towns.
Killarney Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president and Tidy Towns
activist Johnny McGuire said: ‘’Fr Murphy leads by example and the rest
of us follow. He has given a lifetime of service to Tidy Towns and is
an inspiration to everyone to continue the cause of volunteerism which
is so important."
The archdeacon, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 on
behalf of the people of Kerry from Kerry County Council, once said: "The
important thing is to give leadership and example and you can’t give
leadership without example."
He is a brother of retired Bishop of Kerry Dr Bill Murphy.