Statement by President Higgins on the death of Matt Murphy
Date: Fri 7th Mar, 2025 | 20:55
“As President of Ireland, may I join with all of those who have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of Matt Murphy, co-founder with his late wife Eileen of the Sherkin Island Marine Station.
Matt and Eileen Murphy were among the first people in Ireland to draw attention to the importance of marine matters and ecological responsibility when very few opportunities to come and discuss these issues existed.
As well as being one of the earliest and most important voices on ecological responsibility, Matt also placed an importance on taking these issues outside of the academic location and building public education.
Whole generations have learnt of the importance of the sea, the emerging ecological crisis and respect for nature through Matt and Eileen's tireless work.
May I express my deepest sympathies to Matt's children Matty, Michael, Susan, Mark, Robbie, Peter and Audrey, to his extended family, and to all his colleagues and friends.”