Joe Murphy Official Medal Award - City Hall Cork

On Thursday May 9th 2019 , the extended family of Joe Murphy gathered by invitation at City Hall , Cork City for a very special presentation. After many years of campaigning and research the family of the late Joe Murphy headed by Shirley Kelleher were finally awarded the 1917 - 1921 Service Medal with Bar ( for active service ) on behalf of their famous relative who died on hunger strike in 1920.

 Joe Murphy 1895 - 1920

Almost a Century after the tragic event ,  Lord Mayor Mick Finn posthumously awarded the medal to Henry Delaney ( Joe's Nephew ). The Medal was presented on a green velvet cushion and was graciously accepted by the Family members. Shirley Kelleher delivered the keynote acceptance speech as she was joined by family members worldwide for the special occasion. Also present were members of the Togher Historical Association who hope to reawaken the ghost of Togher's forgotten hero to the general public.

Lord Mayor Mick Finn awarding the Medal to Henry Delaney

Henry Delaney and daughter Shirley Kelleher

Shirley Delaney & T.D. Donnchadh O'Laoraigh

Togher Historical Association 

with Henry Delaney

Henry Delaney with Dignitaries at City Hall

 Shirley Kelleher acceptance speech

The description of the Medal is as follows: A circular medal approximately one and three fifth inches in diameter bearing on the obverse the Arm of the Four Provinces of Ireland. In the centre appears a standing figure , facing front , depicting a Volunteer , a member of a guerrilla force – termed “ Flying Column ” – of the period 1917 – 1922 in typical dress ( trench coat and cap with rifle , revolver and bandoleer ). The word “EIRE” ( meaning Ireland ) appears horizontally across the centre of the medal in large letters ( two either side of the figure ). The words “ Cogadh na Saoirse ” which are translated “ The Fight For Freedom ” appear below. The Bar which is fitted  across the ribbon , equal parts black and tan , is " Comrac " which means " Struggle ".

Medal showing front side

Medal showing reverse side

Another surprise lay in store when the Family were given a special presentation of the Defence Forces Medal which is extremely rare and coveted. This was awarded by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Rear Admiral Mellet who also posed for photographs.

Defence Forces Special Medal