‘Father Tidy’ named Kerry Person of the Year

An 88-year-old priest who has been an inspirational figure in the Tidy Towns movement for decades has been declared Kerry Person of the Year 2014.

Archdeacon Michael Murphy was described as a thoroughly deserving winner of the award at an announcement at the Killarney Park Hotel.

He has helped lead Sneem (1987), Kenmare (2000) and Killarney (2011), where he now lives in retirement, to the top Tidy Towns prize.

He is affectionately known throughout the country as ‘Father Tidy’, and is still actively involved in an organised, voluntary litter-collecting programme in Killarney.

The award is presented by the Dublin Kerry Association and Archdeacon Murphy was nominated by Killarney Looking Good/Tidy Towns.

Hat-trick: Kerry Person of the Year award winner Archdeacon Michael Murphy inspired Sneem, Kenmare and Killarney to overall Tidy Towns award

— O'Mahony Media (@omahonymedia) January 13, 2014

Previous winners of the award include former tánaiste Dick Spring, former rugby star Mick Galwey, Sister Consilio Fitzgerald and the late Kerry football legend Páidí Ó Sé.

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.