French honour for Munster businesswoman

The French government has shown its appreciation to a businesswoman who for 30 years has remained a pillar of strength for the French community in Cork.

Co Waterford-born Kate Murphy, a mother-of-two who lives in Bishopstown, was decorated with one of France’s highest honours — its national order of merit — by French Ambassador to Ireland Jean-Pierre Thébault.

In the company of her husband John, daughter Megan, 3, and son Jack, 20, Kate, 54, was presented with Chevalier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite and joins a prestigious order of about 2,500 people.

She is managing director of ABC Eurotranslations Ltd, based in Mary St and, for many years, worked alongside François Letellier who had served her country as honorary vice-consul of France in Cork for almost 40 years.

After Mme Letellier’s retirement, Kate took over the company which offers the services of 25 translators to assist companies and individuals on matters relating to banking, legal, insurance, technical and pharmaceutical issues.

The honour, of being made a knight, is not solely connected to her business but to her always being on hand to provide support, assistance and information to French people living in the south-west, including those setting up residence here or tourists encountering difficulties.

“I was surprised to be told, several months ago, I would be receiving the honour and the family are excited about it also,” said Kate.

Born in Kilmacthomas, Kate arrived in Cork 35 years ago and after graduating in French and Irish from UCC, settled in Bishopstown and raised a family with husband John who operates a recycling firm Pouladuff Dismantlers Ltd.

Meanwhile, Mme Letellier, who retired to France, continues to promote Ireland and particularly the Cork region. Recently, along with Kate, who has a holiday home in West Cork, the pair were instrumental in a twinning of Schull and Le Guilvinec in Brittany.