Tributes paid to “champion of Limerick theatre” John Murphy

The people of Limerick and beyond have been paying tribute to John Murphy, a “champion of Limerick theatre”

The Limerick community has been paying tribute to a stalwart of local theatre following the sad news of the tragic passing of John Murphy, a “champion of Limerick theatre”

The people of Limerick and beyond have been paying tribute to John Murphy, a cherished, actor, director, friend, and stalwart of the local arts and theatre scene who passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 55.

John leaves behind a legacy which has touched many in the local arts scene as well as the national and international arts communities through his creativity, incredible storytelling, and his dedication to the arts.

Bottom Dog Theatre, which John played an integral role in following the closure of Island Theatre Company, expressed their sorrow to a “champion of Limerick theatre”. His friends at Bottom Dog Theatre paid tribute sharing an image of John, saying, “Our dear friend and colleague John Murphy passed away yesterday after a tragic accident. A champion of Limerick theatre, a storyteller, actor, director, writer, and believer in the power of the arts to transform and heal. He will be missed by so many and will never be forgotten.”

Murphy’s career in the arts was nothing short of remarkable; a founding member of the much-loved Island Theatre Company, the Limerick man played important roles in numerous productions, including Pigtown, Sive, Hamlet, and Lovers, among many others.

Our dear friend and colleague John Murphy passed away yesterday after a tragic accident.

A champion of Limerick theatre, a storyteller, actor, director, writer and believer in the power of the arts to transform and heal.

He will be missed by so many and will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/YxaVpMXHYj— Bottom Dog Theatre Company (@bottomdogtheatr) August 22, 2024

His performances have earned him award nominations over the years, memorably his performance in Borrowed Robes earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Irish Times Theatre Awards in 1998 as well as a Best Actor nomination at the Dublin Fringe Festival for his work in Rum and Raisin with Tall Tales Theatre Company.

As a director, Murphy brought his unique vision to numerous productions with the Quarry Players, including Moment and The Field; and beyond his local efforts, John appeared in several film and TV productions including Gangs of New York, and Irish TV Soap, Fair City.

In recent years, Murphy became a beloved presence at the Lime Tree and Belltable theatres, he was a friendly face that theatre-goers would remember from his welcoming smile and warm hospitality. The staff at both venues are mourning the loss of their loving friend, with both theatres closing their doors on August 26th as a mark of respect.

“The staff of the Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable are heartbroken at the loss of John Murphy, our close friend and colleague. John was an integral part of our team and was loved by all of us, some of whom have known John since the early days of Island Theatre Company. The Limerick arts community is also deeply grieving his loss, and we will all miss him terribly,” they shared.

John Murphy will be missed by all of those who had the opportunity to meet him; The Catalyst Film Festival shared their collective grief, showing just how much John’s presence meant to everyone, they said, “So, so sorry for the loss of John, what an awful shock. John was a great presence, and we were always in good hands when he was on duty. Condolences to all.”

Johnny Murphy is survived by his loving parents, Olga and George, his brother Frank, his niece Melissa, and many relatives, friends, and colleagues who will carry his memory in their hearts. His spirit and passion for the arts will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam dílis.