Tributes paid on death of Meath man in US
Louise Walsh
Tributes have been paid on the death of a well-known Meath businessman in a reported camping accident in New York last weekend.
Cormach Murrihy (41) from Brownstown, Ratoath emigrated to the US when he was 21 and founded a hugely successful company United Structural Works, which employs over 200 people and makes structural steel fabrications and erectors that are used in the design of well-known building projects
He was a key figure in the establishment of Rockland GAA and his company donated a 1,000 capacity stand, plus goalposts and safety netting to the club .
He is also reported to have been a strong supporter of the Irish lobby for Immigration Reform and friends of Sinn Fein in US
Local Independent Cllr Nick Killian said: "The community here in Ratoath is reeling from this sad news.
"My deepest sympathies go to his mother Margaret, his wife Vivienne, two young children Cian and Caoimhe, his brother Ciaran, relatives and friends.
"Cormach used to hang out with my children and I remember him well off to Mass on a Sunday. He was a very popular and well-liked boy who attended Ratoath NS and Community College Dunshaughlin.
"He was a hugely successful businessman in the US but never forgot his roots and even just last year brought back a girls team from his club in New York to play the Ratoath team in the Feile contest.
"I'm told he also had an incredible input into promoting the Rory Staunton Foundation over there and saving thousands of people who would have died from sepsis.
"His family would have moved to Ratoath in the 70s and are a much-known and valuable family in the community. Indeed, his late dad Val was like Cormach in his personality of being a fun character and we are all just so shocked at his passing."
In its tribute Ratoath GAA Club said: "Dreadful sad news breaking about Brownstown and Ratoath native Cormach Murrihy.
"Cormach was a member and supporter of Ratoath GAA club and continued to support Ratoath GAA from New York, where he lived with his family.
"Cormach also brought the New York ladies Feile team to Ratoath last year and was highly involved with the development of Rockland GAA in New York
"A successful businessman, he was also well-known as one of the leading lights of the Irish community in New York and earned a reputation as being the first in line whenever there was an Irish organisation or an individual that needed help"
On a statement, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “The news of Cormach Murrihy's sudden and untimely death has shocked and saddened his family and friends and the Irish American community in New York.
“Cormach was an active supporter of Friends of Sinn Féin and believed passionately in the reunification of Ireland.
“He said recently: ‘It is what motivates me to help the fundraising efforts through Friends of Sinn Féin. I firmly believe that unity is the best future for Ireland and that it is achievable and essential for all the people of Ireland.’
“Cormach was a pivotal figure in the building of the Rockland County GAA ground and clubhouse and hosted a visit there by former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams in July 2017 and who has said that Cormach will be sadly missed and remembered always with deep affection and gratitude.”