Obituary: Cormach Murrihy, Leader In NY Irish Community

From the Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home

Rockland County resident Cormach Murrihy died suddenly on Sunday, July 7, 2019. 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.

Cormach was born in Ireland and raised in Ratoath, County Meath, Ireland. He came to the US as a young man, where he met and married his wonderful Kildare wife of 13 years Vivienne. He worked construction and founded a large and successful steel fabrication company, United Structural Works, Inc., along with his friend and partner Stephen Reid of Tyrone.

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. He said recently: “It motivates me. I firmly believe that unity is the best future for Ireland and that it is achievable and essential for all of the people 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.

Cormach will be missed by all who knew him, family, friends and associates.

Arrangements are as follows:

Wake: Friday, July 12, 2019 ‐ 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Wyman‐Fisher Funeral Home Inc., 100 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY

Funeral: Saturday, July 13, 2019 ‐ 10:00 A.M. St. Francis R.C. Church, 128 Parrott Road, West Nyack, NY

Burial: Rockland Cemetery, 201 Kings Highway, Sparkill, NY

In lieu of flowers, donations to Rory Staunton Foundation, 135 West 50th Street, Eurotech Suite, 5th Floor, New York, NY.

The family request friends and family carpool to the church and cemetery to limit the cars in funeral procession.