Bernard John Murphy was born in Roma, Queensland, Australia in 1960 to Kevin & Ellen (Nellie) Murphy (nee O’Brien). Bernard is the second youngest of six children- Brian, Gerald, Mary, Kevin, Bernard, and Ann. In 1952 his parents emigrated to Australia from Ireland – Kevin from Wexford town and Nellie from Blackwater village in County Wexford. They settled in Roma Qld, where they lived for 50 years, raising their family until their retirement years forced them to move to Caloundra. Bernard married young and has one son and two daughters from his first marriage in Australia. He also has a daughter in Ireland to his second wife.
He travelled extensively – working in London for many years in the building industry as a project manager. During this time, Bernard travelled to Ireland with his mother for a family occasion and to meet extended family. It was on this visit that he met his second wife in Blackwater, the home place of his mother Nellie. Bernard moved to Blackwater where he married and has a daughter. He commuted from Blackwater to London for many years due to work conditions in Ireland at the time, but eventually he secured a suitable project manager position with a Dublin firm allowing him to be home all the time. Bernard was a well-respected professional within the building industry. On October 13, 2020, Bernard died unexpectedly at the age of 60. He is resting in the Blackwater Cemetery. His resting place, located within the grounds of the local church, is also the resting place of many of his relatives from his mother’s side – in particular, his grandparents Mogue & Mary O’Brien. Bernard is resting beside his wife’s parents who loved and respected him so dearly in life.

Information provided by Bernard’s sister Ann. September 2023.