One of Galway’s best known businessmen Dermot Murray, Ard Aoibhinn, Dalysfort Road, died peacefully at University College Hospital last Friday.
Enjoying good health until recently Dermot and his partner the late Paschal Spelman, ran a successful financial services company for many years. Founded in 1956 the company offered financial advice to personal and corporate inquiries.
Their office moved around the city, and is now in Hibernian House, under the ownership of Mick Culhane. But the name Murray and Spelman also recalls the very successful Irish Nights held in the old Great Southern Hotel during the 1960s and 70s.
It was the forerunner of similar hotel entertainments around Ireland, and although it was primarily aimed at hotel guests, the cabaret was a huge attraction for residents in the city and county. Dermot played the piano, Paschal led the comedy, Jim English played the fiddle, while Michael Craughwell played the piano accordion.
Other musicians included Ann Melia, Kathleen Watkins, while Ray McBride and his sister Margaret danced on tables and chairs, with the Peggy Carty and the Celine Hession dancers who were rewarded by a standing ovation every night.
The group generously helped to raise many thousands of pounds for charity and fund-raising events, all over Ireland. Dermot’s business acumen passed on to his high-achieving daughters: Orla runs her own financial services company at Forthill Street; while Emer is the premier chef of her own bakery, Goyas of Kirwan’s Lane, one of Ireland’s best bakeries, renowned for its breads and cakes, and outstanding home-made savoury dishes.
Dermot, predeceased by his wife Ena (Loughlin ) and his son Michael Patrick, is deeply mourned by his daughters, his brother Gerard, sister-in-law Clare, and his nieces and nephews, and extended family. Requiem Mass was celebrated in Salthill church on Tuesday, followed by burial at the New Cemetery.RIP
