President Higgins leads tributes after death of Matt Murphy, founder of Sherkin Island Marine Station
Matt Murphy, Sherkin Island. Rip.ie
Matt Murphy, founder of the Sherkin Island Marine Station β one of Ireland's longest-running coastal research stations β has died.
President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to Mr Murphy, describing him as one of the most important voices ever on ecological responsibility in Ireland.
Mr Murphy, 89, is predeceased by his wife Eileen who had co-founded the lab and research station on West Cork's Sherkin Island, with him. He is survived by his children Matty, Michael, Susan, Mark, Robbie, Peter and Audrey, and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The marine station was set up to raise the awareness level of the marine environment in Ireland and the potential of the sea to create jobs.
Changes in the coastal plant and animal communities were recorded and research was conducted on baseline data of the marine life of the coast from Cork Harbour and Bantry Bay.
Many marine biologists and other scientists have attended conferences and workshops on Sherkin Island and on the mainland over the years since 1975.
And from the early 1980s until the late 1990s thousands attended the Sherkin Island Marine Station exhibitions at Cork's Connolly Hall.
President Michael D Higgins said: βAs 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."
Mr Murphy's remains will be reposing at Romie O'Donovan's Funeral Home, North Street, Skibbereen, on Sunday from 1pm to 3.30pm, followed by prayers. Removal afterwards to Baltimore Pier for the ferry to Sherkin Island at approximately 5pm.
The funeral mass will take place at 10pm on Monday at St Mona's Church, Sherkin Island, with burial afterwards in the Abbey Graveyard, Sherkin Island.
The mass will also be livestreamed.
