The Cork village of Churchtown has had a renewal thanks to the vision of a local businessman.
Local businessman and entrepreneur Gerry Murphy is the driving force behind a revival for Churchtown. Having grown up here, he was saddened to read a newspaper article about the decline of the Georgian village, and decided to do something about it.
I believe in the concept of service and community service.
Shopkeeper Peggy O'Flaherty is looking forward to moving to new and bigger premises nearby. Emigrants are returning to live here, and she has great confidence in the place now.
Gerry Murphy established Churchtown Village Renewal Trust seven years ago. Since then he has been working to improve the appearance of the main street in Churchtown, and developing a new housing scheme which will attract families to the area.
An increase in the local population will boost school numbers and retain teachers, says Eileen Ahern-O'Connor from Churchtown Development Association.
Gwen Burkand is the manager of Boss Murphy’s hotel and conference centre, owned by Gerry Murphy. So impressed was she by the work of Churchtown Development Association, that she relocated here from California.
I knew this was where I wanted to be.
Many others have discovered Churchtown’s charms. Oliver Reed and his wife Josephine Burge lived on the Castle McCarthy estate during his final years. The English actor is buried in the village cemetery.
With the village renewal and development continuing, local people are appreciative of Gerry Murphy’s hard work and commitment to the community.
We’re very thankful to him and we’re very grateful.
This episode of 'Nationwide’ was broadcast on 18 June 2000. The reporter is John O’Driscoll.
