A long-serving Director of Services at Laois County Council has this week announced his retirement from the role.
Mr Gerry Murphy from Louth, Head of Finance at Laois County Council is retiring from his role, effective from Friday, September 6.
During his time at the County Council, Mr Murphy also spent one year as Acting CEO before the appointment of John Mulholland in 2015.
Mr Murphy oversaw 20 budgets over his period in Laois – managing the finances.
Paying tribute to Mr Murphy, Acting Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Mr Simon Walton said: “For over 20 years as Head of Finance, Gerry has provided exemplary service to Laois County Council.
“He has carefully and expertly advised the Council’s finances, in a manner which has facilitated significant local economic and community development, enabled enhanced infrastructure and enhanced the tourism potential and offering of County Laois.
“Gerry has overseen the preparation of 20 Annual Budgets for Laois County Council, the most recent for 2024 when the Council’s Annual Budget reached an all-time high of €114 million.
“Gerry will be missed by his colleagues, all of whom hold him in high regard.
“Nevertheless, Gerry’s retirement, after more than 45 years’ service to Local Government, represents an opportunity for new life-experiences for himself, his wife Patricia and family. We wish them well for new adventures.
“All associated with Laois County Council wish Gerry a very happy and fulfilling retirement. It is certainly well-deserved.”
Speaking with LaoisToday, An Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Padraig Fleming also paid tribute to the outgoing Mr Murphy.
“I’d like to wish Gerry well in his retirement; and good health and best wishes, ” Cllr Fleming said.
“I know Gerry for many, many years since I’ve been in the Council and he’s been excellent in all his roles in local government.
“I mainly know him as the Financial Director for the last 15 plus years.
“He’s been Head of Finance in good times as well as in difficult times, but he always sought to secure the maximum funding available from the various Departments to carry out important work for County Laois.
“Each year, Gerry made sure that we came in with a balanced budget – which is a very significant thing – and still got an awful lot of work done.”
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