Folklorist and writer dies

One of the North's best known folklorists, the writer Michael Joe Murphy, has died 82.

One of the North's best known folklorists, the writer Michael Joe Murphy, has died 82.

Mr Murphy, who lived for many years in Dromintee, Co Armagh, wrote 10 books and six plays. He was a member of the Irish Folklore Commission in Dublin, which later became the Department of Irish Folklore, and moved from the North to live in Walterstown, Co Louth, where he died.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter. The funeral will take place today after requiem Mass at Darver Church, Castlebellingham, Co Louth.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter