Pat Murphy, in his prime, was a tower of strength, a force of nature. Those who knew him in his frail latter years as he heroically battled long and bravely with terminal illness can only have guessed what it was like to sail with him or against him at the time when he had several forms of sailing on the go. Meanwhile, he was also running Dinghy Supplies Ltd., a comprehensive retail outlet that played a key role in the development of small boat sailing in North Dublin and beyond.
He was originally from Dundalk and was one of those who tried to establish Dundalk Sailing Club within the confines of capacious Dundalk Bay. But after a season or two at the creek at The Blue Anchor and along the coast, Gyles Quay, they moved round the corner to a base at Carlingford. However, local pride among the founders mean that for some years, visitors sailing into the old medieval port of Carlingford found they were calling at Dundalk Sailing Club.
But Pat, meanwhile, had a new job that brought him to Dublin, and he and his soul-mate Olivia set up home in Raheny. He found that the area had many sailing options for a mobile dinghy sailor, and he got actively involved in club life in Clontarf, Kilbarrack and Sutton, all the while honing his GP14 and Enterprise sailing skills such that he was attaining international level to add a fresh world travelling experience to his sport.
Pat Murphy aboard Aldebaran with one of the shipmates of his later years
But meanwhile as someone well able to take the broader view, in those pre-online days he was acutely aware of the slow and cumbersome distribution of marine equipment, so he and Olivia took the courageous decision of moving from this suburban house which had been providing the base for their nascent enterprise, and transferring home and business alike to waterfront premises in Kilbarrack.
The new Dinghy Supplies was much more than a comprehensive dinghy sailing shop. Its location on the shoreside road meant it attracted passing custom, in addition to people on specific purchasing tasks. With Pat's ready wit, it was seldom you left without a smile on your lips.
Meanwhile Pat had successfully branched out into cruiser-racing with two partners, and he joined the committee in Howth Yacht Club. However, this was just another step in the way towards the great dream – a voyage round the world.
They bought the handsome, hefty 41ft cutter Aldebaran of South African origins. It was a magnificently comprehensive circumnavigation starting on the cusp of the new Millennium, and combining some magnificent sailing with interesting up-country expeditions.
NINE YEARS
Not surprisingly, they hadn't been overly specific about how long it would take. It took nine years all, and is surely one of the finest Irish sailing achievements of the 21st.
Gradually, they settled back into normal life, but sadly, Olivia was to succumb to cancer in 2015. Now, ten years later, Pat has followed her. Our heartfelt sympathies are with their families and very many friends. Their achievements are many and wonderful, and their memory is cherished.
Home again among friends – Aldebaran in the midst of a CAI rally in Dublin Port
There are many tributes and stories about Pat, and Afloat plans to compile a collection of these soon.
