Cormach Murrihy
By Irish Echo Staff
Many who will run in Sunday’s marathon will be remembering Cormach Murrihy, a County Meath native who died suddenly last July but whose dedication and contributions to the Irish community in the New York area will not soon be forgotten.
Murrihy worked construction in his early American years and then founded a large and successful steel fabrication company, United Structural Works, Inc., along with his friend and partner, Stephen Reid from Tyrone.
“Support Team USW” will have runners in the marathon.
After his passing, Murrihy’s obituary stated in part: “Murrihy, a star footballer in his younger days, was a key figure in Rockland GAA, Friends of Sinn Fein and a strong supporter of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, among numerous other Irish organizations.
“Murrihy was known to be the first in line whenever there was an Irish organization or an individual that needed help.
“Cormach believed passionately in the reunification of Ireland.
“Horsebox”, as his friends called him, had a passion for life and a constant drive to help others. These qualities were on display over and again on a daily basis. Everybody knew him. ‘Oh, that guy!’ He took special pride in being able to help the Rockland County GAA develop a first‐class facility for Irish sport, particularly to include children. No obstacle was too big. If it required massive steel, he produced it. Huge cranes, he provided them. Tons of money – so be it.
“Nor did he forget where he came from. He was similarly eager to provide assistance to the young people of his native Meath and they always welcomed him home. When he walked into a room the atmosphere changed. While he remained, there were no dull moments and never a problem he wouldn’t at least try to resolve.
“He is survived by his wife Vivienne, son Cian, daughter Caoimhe, mother Margaret, brother Ciaran, sister‐in‐law Helen, niece Hannah and nephew Tom. Cormach’s loving father Val is predeceased.
He came to the U.S. as a young man, where he met and married his wonderful Kildare wife, of 13 years, Vivienne.”
Among Cormach’s many causes was the Aisling Irish Community Center in Yonkers which is fielding its own “Team Aisling” in the marathon. The USW contingent will be running in support of the center as well as in tribute to Cormach.
Donations can be made online at www.aislingcenter.org/donations.html. Donors should type “In Memory of Cormach Murrihy” in the website’s special instructions section when finalizing payment.
