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.