Liam Murphy - RIP
Liam pictured at the 2007 AGC in Portlaoise.
On Saturday 30th September 2008, the Vice President of IUNVA Liam Murphy passed away after a short illness. I did not have the honour of serving in the same unit as Liam in the army, but did meet him, work with him and get to know him through IUNVA. I always found him to be fortright, proud and extremely hard working. His dedication to IUNVA was second to none and any member who had concerns or issues they felt needed to be addressed always found that Liam not only did so, but he always made sure that everyone was given the opportunity to speak and make their point of view even if he was in the opposing camp of thought. I got to know Liam when he was National Chairman of IUNVA. I was amazed at his zest and enthusiasm for life in general and the organisation as a whole. Our refurbished HQ in Arbour House in Dublin is a testiment to his hard work for IUNVA.
Liam before the AGC in Portlaoise 2007.
No matter what issue he was dealing with, members of a sub committee would turn up with two or three pages on the issue in question. Liam would arrive with folders full of letters, emails, correspondance, articles etc., such was his enthusiasm to have every avenue explored before any decision was reached. He also was one of the pivotal members of Post 11, Suncroft in the Curragh. He always was looking out for ex-soldiers and their welfare. It is sad, that Liam wont get to see the Gala concert he put so much work into which will be on in the National Concert Hall on Sunday 7th September but I am sure that because of Liam and his work in orgasnising it, that it will be a great success. It was a mark of the esteem in which he was held that his funeral was not only attended by nearly 200 Blue Berets, but also members of O.N.E., Royal British Legion and many more serving and ex comrades from the Defence Forces including the Chief of Staff Lt. General Dermot Early.
IUNVA National Executive 2007 at AGC in Portlaoise.
My memories of Liam are few compared to those that were in the same unit as him in the army, or those that worked close to him in IUNVA. But such was the stature of the man, that he left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Late in 2007 an issue arose within IUNVA which troubled me greatly. Liam was in Cyprus when he heard of it, and he emailed me straight away. Everyday he would go down to an internet cafe and check his emails and email me back and ask what was happening, and encouraging me to "Remember the organisation (IUNVA) and to hold my head". That was the man he was, while in Cyprus, where he was meant to be relaxing and resting, he used to contact me nearly every day to make sure everything was alright. I heard many tributes to Liam at his funeral today as I talked to IUNVA personnel and Defence Forces officers and soldiers. Everyone of them glowing in their praise for the man. I shall hold my memories of him dearly, and finish by saying, there are many words and expressions that could be used to describe Liam. The one that does so for me, is the title of a famous film.
Liam Murphy - "An Officer And A Gentleman". May he Rest In Peace.
Liam keeping a watchful eye on proceedings in Portlaoise 2007.
We will be posting a selection of comments by those that knew him best here, please continue to scroll down ion order to see tributes posted. Anyone wanting to leave a comment on the guest book is encouraged to do so, and also you can email me your memories of Liam at calco63@gmail.com
I first met Liam Murphy in 1971, he was the Company Sergeant with HQ, 20th Inf. Group, Ziggi in Cyprus where I was serving as a sergeant with the signal corps. To me, Liam was a model of a senior NCO, no shouting or roaring, he treated everyone with respect and led by example. He loved the "Ould session" and entertained many an Irish and British soldier on the bases in Cyprus with his easy listening voice. We met up again when I joined IUNVA some years ago, and travelled back to Cyprus (Twice) and also the Lebanon, and also visited Dover Airforce Base in Delaware USA with IUNVA. Liam was someone, one could always go to for advice or share a problem with. Even as a relatively young man he was a father figure in IUNVA, where his witty speeches, jokes, soft singing voice and his enthusiasism to make IUNVA great will be sorely missed.
Sgt. Major William Gilbert.
2nd Field Signals - 5th Inf. Bn. - 2nd Inf. Bn. (Home Units)
3rd, 10th, 20th, Inf. Groups, Cyprus. - 57th Inf. Bn. UNIFIL Lebanon.
Sgt Major W. Gilbert. - Post 28 IUNVA.
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I first met Liam at a National Executive meeting in 2006. He was chairing the meeting and from the beginning I could see that he was a man of great charisma. He chaired the meeting with enthusiasm and a deceptive ease. He was in control of the meeting but was not overbearing or pushy. He was an example of tact, a perfect peacekeeper. When I went to that meeting I was not sure of my future in IUNVA But when I saw the love and commitment that Liam showed towards the organization I knew this was the right place to be if I wanted to contribute towards the betterment of our UN Vets and keep alive the memory of our dead.
I got to know Liam fairly well over the last two years as he often asked Mick Thompson or myself to drive the bus (Post 11 Suncroft) to national executive meetings in Dublin. Liam was a great person to hold a conversation with. His wit and knowledge was legendry. On these trips Liam would share his many adventures both in the army and in business with us. To say that Liam was successful in everything he did would be an understatment.
Liam was one of the people who persuaded me against my better judgement to take on the position of National Development Officer. Liam had great powers of persuasion. Having persuaded me he then gave me every help and guidance that he could. He was always just a phone call away.
At the time of his untimlely passing Liam was involved in organising the erecting of a memorial plaque at Ballysax, The Curragh. This plaque is being unvailed on Sunday the 26th of october (details Post 11 ). It would be nice to see as many members as possible at this ceremony.
I think of you often Liam but I know that you are still watching over and guiding us here. You were an example to us all. You are now in heaven at peace, a peace you so richly deserve, but knowing you, you have probably started a new Post up there.
Peace be with you Liam.
Charlie Mott
IUNVA National Development Officer.