IDENTITY STATEMENT Reference: IE 627/PR116
Title:
TJ Murphy and Family, Collection (Colm O'Sullivan Donation)
Level of description: fonds
Date:
c1870s - 1920s (1958)
Extent:
fonds
CONTEXT Creator
Murphy, TJ and Family
Biographical/Administrative History TJ Murphy (b1867 – d1948) was born at Mullaghroe, Ovens, County Cork. His family lived at Brownhill House and his father Denis Murphy farmed a substantial holding leased from Lady Carbery of Castle Freke, from which they were evicted in c1880, possibly during the period of the Land War. Denis may have been involved in the Land League around this time.
The family were without income when Denis Murphy obtained a job as Caretaker of the Marina in Cork, which came with housing in the Marina Lodge.
As a youngster, TJ sold refreshments to people at the Marina and Cork Racecourse. He then leased stalls 1 and 2 in the Grand Parade Market (English Market) selling eggs and poultry, for which he garnered the nickname "Turkey Murphy". A successful merchant, he opened a butter and provisions shop at 39 Georges Street and a Groceries and Provisions store at 111 Georges Street (Oliver Plunkett Street).
TJ married Margaret (Maggie) Geany from Glanmire in 1901 and they lived at 6 Audley Place, Patrick's Hill, Cork and later4 Belgrave Place, and Herbert Park, Gardiners Hill.
TJ Murphy was appointed as a Justice of the Peace for the Borough of Cork in 1914.
In c1921 he bought Silversprings House in Tivoli and rented 4 Belgrave Place to their close friends Mary and Annie MacSwiney, sisters of Terence MacSwiney, who operate Scoil Íte / St. Ita's School from there. TJ Murphy was appointed to the Board of the Cork Harbour Commissioners and served for many years. He also represented the Commissioners at Lord Mayor Terence MacSwiney's funeral in London in 28 October 1920.
Desc. List. TJ Murphy and Family Archive
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