ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Murphy, Retreat Heights, Athlone, County Westmeath and formerly of County Dublin. Unexpectedly, on Saturday 25th October 2025. Predeceased by his beloved wife Rita. Sadly missed by his loving daughters Helen and her partner Robert, and Aoife and her partner Chris, grandson Ódhran, brother Neil, sister-in-law Peggy, nephews, nieces, relatives, Defence Forces comrades and friends.
May He Rest In Peace
Kevin Murphy was born in Dublin on 17th October 1938 and graduated from University College Dublin with a Bachelor of Science degree. Together with fellow Young Ordnance Corps Direct Entry classmates (the late Lieutenant-Colonel Tadgh Quill and the late Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Egan) he was commissioned into Óglaigh na hÉireann on 24th April 1961. Kevin spent most of his service career in Ordnance Corps appointments in Athlone as Officer Commanding 4 Garrison Ordnance Company and as Command Ordnance Officer, West. One of his most noteworthy tasks was the supervision of the removal, in 1970, of the large calibre coastal artillery ammunition from Fort Dunree in County Donegal, to Haulbowline in County Cork. Kevin served as Acting Director of Ordnance in Defence Forces Headquarters at McKee Barracks towards the end of his service. He was a keen golfer and long-time member of Athlone Golf Club where he was a Captain’s Prize winner.
Reposing at Flynn’s Funeral Home, The Strand, Athlone (N37 WY17) on Thursday evening from 4.00pm until 6.00pm. Requiem Mass on Friday at 10.30am in Saint Mary’s Church (N37 XP66), (webstream: https://www.churchservices.tv/athlonestmarys) followed by burial in Coosan Cemetery.
House Private, Please. The family greatly appreciates your sympathy and support at this very difficult time.
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Kevin’s death notice on rip.ie at: https://rip.ie/death-notice/lt-col-kevin-murphy-westmeath-athlone-609266
