TRIBUTES have been paid to a former director of a national collaborative arts agency who died following a two-year battle with illness.
Dr Ailbhe Murphy, who was the director of Create Ireland from 2015 to 2022, died on May 17, at Blackrock Hospice, with her husband Ciaran and son Luke by her side.
Paying tribute, her family said she would be “lovingly remembered and cherished by her family and friends”.
“Over the course of a two-year illness Ailbhe completed her Directorship of Create Ireland, returned to her independent art practice with Vagabond Reviews and maintained her long-established practice of sea swimming,” they added.
“Since her diagnosis, she never faltered in the energy, determination and generosity of spirit with which she met life.”
The artist, a former nurse who lived in Bray, Co. Wicklow, but was formerly of Howth in Dublin, launched Create Ireland’s successful 2020 – 2025 strategy, Connect Create Change, during her time at the helm.
Paying tribute this week, the organisation said it was “deeply saddened by the passing of former Director Dr Ailbhe Murphy”.
“Ailbhe led the organisation from 2015 to 2022,” they explained.
“She truly practiced the art of collaboration in her work and made a deep and lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working with her.”
They added: “The Create team and board send condolences and thoughts to Ailbhe’s partner Ciaran and son Luke, as well as her extended family, friends, and all those affected by this profound loss.
“As an organisation, we are committed to honouring Ailbhe’s legacy, and will offer an opportunity for colleagues across the sector who valued their relationships with Ailbhe to express their own gratitude and sadness, in due course.”
Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Sheila Murphy and brother Daragh, Dr Murphy leaves behind husband Ciaran, son Luke, sister Orlagh and brother Garech.
A celebration of her life will take place on Thursday, May 23 at 3.30pm in The Victorian Chapel at Mount Jerome Crematorium in Harold’s Cross, Dublin.
The family has requested no flowers and added that donations “if desired” be made to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.