Tributes paid to Carrickfergus Freeman Terry Murtagh

Terry Murtagh, JP, founder of Carrickfergus Rotary Club, died on Thursday, August 15 at the age of 89.

Husband of the late Mavis and father of Terry, Bernard and Deborah, Mr Murtagh was awarded the civic honour of Freeman of the Borough in 2001.

In a statement issued last week, Mayor of Carrick Alderman Billy Ashe said: “It is with much regret that we learnt this week of the sad passing of Terry Murtagh, JP, and Freeman of the Borough.

“Terry was always regarded in high esteem and contributed greatly to civic and community life in the borough as a businessman, founder member of Carrick Rotary Club and the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship, as well as his involvement and commitment to other charitable organisations, and as a Justice of the Peace since 1972.

“Terry was a well-known personality in the borough.

“He was born in Castle Street and was the fifth of seven brothers,” the statement added.

“The family barber shop opened in Castle Street in 1920 and relocated to West Street from 1936-2000. He joined the business at the age of 14 and worked there continuously for 61 years.

“In his spare time, Terry dedicated his life to helping the local voluntary and community sector and this commitment was the driving force behind the decision to award him Honorary Freeman status. He will always be remembered fondly in Carrickfergus Borough Council and will be greatly missed.

“I am pleased that I recently had spent some time listening to Terry reminisce about his time in Carrickfergus and know that he had lived a full and contented life. I offer condolences to the wider family circle on behalf of Carrickfergus Borough Council.”

Mr Murtagh’s funeral took place at Mount St Nicholas’ Church in Carrickfergus on Saturday, August 17, with burial afterwards in Victoria Cemetery.