Padraig Murray - never afraid to stand up for himself and others

An imposing presence, a formidable personality and a strident voice for those with special needs - Padraig Murray, Ballard, Araglin passed away on Saturday, 11th September in Mercy University Hospital, Cork.

Not one to court publicity, Padraig could be described as ‘an independent thinker’ who was never afraid to express an opinion.

Someone who encouraged debate and who embraced ‘a good verbal joust’, Padraig was well known locally through his involvement with Dairygold (formerly Mitchelstown Co-Op).

He was a pioneer when it came to computer technology and in the late 1970s, the management of ‘The Co-Op’ identified the need to prepare for ‘the coming of the computer’. In what proved to be an inspired move, they headhunted an ambitious and very capable Dairy Science graduate from UCC.

A native of Glaunthaune, Padraig Murray, who was also known by the Gaelic version of his name, Pádraig Ó Muirithe, took to the task with great gusto. For older and more conservative board members, it was a leap of faith and they needed convincing that traditional methods could be improved upon.

In one of several presentations, Padraig told them that the pen and paper days were coming to an end and that computer technology would have to be embraced. This meant spending considerable amounts of money on ‘the new machines’. With regard to the doubters, Padraig assured them he knew what he was doing and more importantly, that ‘the new machines’ would work.

Part of a team, it’s generally accepted that Padraig Murray was the driving force behind the project. In 1977, he was formally promoted to I.T. (Information Technology) manager of Mitchelstown Co-Op.

A resident of Ballard (between Kilworth and Araglin), locals got to known this individual who was frequently referred to as ‘the computer man’. For those who engaged him, they found that this was just one area of expertise. Well read, a student of Irish history, a linguist and an accomplished debater, Padraig impressed those he interacted with. He was also political and had an uncomprising Republican outlook.

Other causes included promotion of the Irish language. In one famous instance, he entered a local Government Department and demanded that he be allowed conduct his business ‘as Gaeilge’. There was a stand-off until a competent person was secured to do the needful. Together with Castlelyons resident, Eilís Uí Bhriain, he set up an Irish conversation group, that’s still in operation today.

One of Padraig’s two sons, Sean, had special needs and Padraig was a lifelong advocate of all those with disabilities. He truly believed that a society was judged on how it treated its most vulnerable citizens. Armed with facts and figures and his natural sense of justice, Padraig didn’t take no for an answer and several battles were fought in the name of Sean and his special needs friends.

Whether in the home or the work place, life wasn’t always plain sailing and Padraig lost both his wife, Mary and son, Finbarr. Huge personal blows, Padraig pressed on with his career and his learning. If anything, he became even more devoted to Sean and up until fairly recently, ‘the duo’ were a regular sight in Araglin and surrounding areas. Sean benefitted from the professionalism of COPE and Padraig greatly appreciated the care provided by staff in both Fermoy and Mitchelstown.

Padraig Murray is also predeceased by his brother, Micheal and sister, Siobhan. He is survived by son, Sean and brothers, Sean and Liam and sisters, Eileen (Sullivan) and Maire (Twohig).

A man with a scientific background, Padraig Murray excelled in the field of computers. In keeping with his professional training, he accepted nothing until it was exposed to the rigour of inquiry and soundly tested.

Directed by science, but always guided by a deep sense of compassion, Padraig Murray leaves behind a considerable legacy that has benefitted both society and those individuals who need a strong and campaigning voice.

Ní bheidh a leithead ann arís. Beannacht Dé lena anam dílis.