President Michael D Higgins joined a host of famous faces to unveil a bench dedicated to the memory of actor Johnny Murphy.
Mr Murphy was best known for his role in The Commitments as Joey the Lips Fagan. He also starred in Angela’s Ashes and Into The West. He passed away in February 2016, aged 72.
President Higgins, actors Colm Meaney and Patrick Bergin as well as cast members Robert Arkins and Michael Ahern braved the wind and the rain to attend the unveiling of a new memorial bench in Drimnagh in Dublin in memory of Mr Murphy.
The President, who was joined by his wife Sabina, declared he was "undefeated by the weather forecast."
President Higgins said: “We are celebrating an actor and all of the acting profession and artists, as we come out of Covid they’ve done so much to keep our spirits up.
“He’s one of the very few people who scored a goal against all the critics, he got a wonderful reception that has lived on. There’s no doubt that in terms of all that contribution to the theatre and film, we should be grateful for the wonderful performances he gave us.
“In Drimnagh, Johnny Murphy is so important, it is here, he always called home. This is a great tribute to the people of Drimnagh, the culture and their lives that Johnny lived here all his life.”
The President said Mr Murphy made a huge impact in his long and varied career in Irish theatre and film.
Even though he became a Hollywood actor, Mr Murphy never forgot his roots. He always had a great love for Benmadigan Road and the community of Drimnagh throughout his life.
“Johnny remained in Drimnagh and remained an enthusiastic member of the Inchicore United Working Men's Club,” President Higgins continued.
“He will always remember Drimnagh as the first place he learned the meaning of the word community and experienced a sense of belonging.
“Benches are made for sitting and now Dubliners can join with Johnny in quiet reflection and meditation. Johnny remained true to his Drimnagh roots and Drimnagh has repaid the complement so proudly by claiming him as one of their own.
“We remember the life and work of Johnny Murphy, actor, performer, and great resident of Drimnagh.
"We also recall the Johnny Murphy who walked the streets of Drimnagh as a neighbour, friend and long-term resident that the people here hold in their hearts.”
