Renowned UCC historian John A Murphy dies, aged 95

Prof. Murphy became well known for his commentary on current affairs, especially on Northern Ireland

Former Professor of History at UCC John A Murphy (right) celebrating his 90th birthday in 2017 with the unveiling of a bust with Dr Michael Murphy (left), then-president of UCC. When the bust was unveiled, Prof. Murphy said: “The statue is lovely but it also has peculiar connotations because it was done in 1973 and so I feel like Dorian Gray in reverse.” Photo: Eddie O'Hare

Tributes have been paid following the death of renowned historian and former independent senator, Professor John A Murphy. He was 95.

Prof. Murphy, who began lecturing in University College Cork’s Department of History in 1960 and became Professor of Irish History in 1971, a chair he held until his retirement in 1990, and who was a member of Seanad Eireann from 1977 to 1992, took a leading part in public debate on Ireland's historical and political values throughout his academic career.