Matt Murphy's extraordinary legacy on Sherkin Island will serve marine Ireland well
The work of the committed environmentalist, outspoken critic, and risk-taking entrepreneur at Sherkin Island Marine Station is crucial to understanding our marine ecosystem, writes Val Cummins
Over 40 years, Matt Murphy facilitated the collection of an extraordinary volume of data, including Ireland’s most extensive phytoplankton monitoring programme. Picture: Rip.ie
Matt Murphy, laid to rest on Sherkin Island, West Cork, last week, profoundly impacted my path in life over the 30-plus years I had the pleasure of knowing him. I was just one of more than 600 research volunteers, referred to endearingly by the islanders as the ‘Bods’, who had the privilege of working at Sherkin Island Marine Station.
The marine station, nestled on the northern shores of Sherkin in Roaringwater Bay, was co-founded by Matt alongside his late wife, Eileen, in 1975. Over 40 years, Matt facilitated the collection of an extraordinary volume of data, including Ireland’s most extensive phytoplankton monitoring programme, studies on rocky shore ecosystems, otters, birds, underwater macrofauna, rock pools, insects, and plants. He published four books and an environmental newspaper, ran conferences, and facilitated an extensive schools outreach programme.
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