A privilege to have served for ‘42 wonderful years’

A privilege to have served for ‘42 wonderful years’

30 October 2024

A HIGHLY respected and much loved local GP has retired.

Dr Malachy Murphy served the people of Ardglass, Killough and the surrounding area for 42 years.

Staff past and present were joined by members of the community at a farewell presentation last Thursday afternoon.

Also present were Dr Murphy’s wife, Adrianne, and three of their four children – sons Matthew and Rory, and daughter Sophie. Another son, Theo, was unable to be present.

It also marked the end of a long-standing family connection with the area. Dr Murphy’s late father – also called Malachy – served as GP for approximately 50 years.

Dr Murphy said he had “42 wonderful years” in practice and recalled many of the changes which had taken place since becoming a GP in August 1982.

“The system was different then,” he said. “No appointments, no receptionist, no practice nurse and no computer. No telephone in the surgery. In essence, no distractions.

Just  the doctor, the patient, a pen, a block of s and a stethoscope used on occasions.

“Patients turned up at the front door of the surgery and all were seen in an orderly manner. Patients rang the family home in Killough to request house calls and dispensing patients ordered their medicines. 

“The medicines were dispensed in Killough and left on the step of the side door of the family home  for patients to collect. No cross checking of drugs. And the system worked perfectly well.”

He continued: “Things never stay the same. Since 1982 medicine has evolved over the years and whether we liked it or not, we had to change with it.”

Dr Murphy thanked the many people who had supported him over the years, including colleagues, members of the community and, in particular, his wife, who helped with the running of the practice.

Dr Murphy added: “As I retire, I know the practice and the community is going to have the best possible health care, with such a great team of doctors, administration staff and specialists.

“It has been a privilege to have worked with so many wonderful people. To serve a community like Ardglass and Killough has been so very meaningful and fulfilling for me, Adrianne and my family.”

Dr Murphy is succeeded as senior partner by Dr Anne McMinn, who joined the practice ten years ago. The other GPs in the practice are Dr Chantelle McMullan and Dr Sara Stewart.

Dr McMinn said it was a “privilege and pleasure” to have worked with Dr Murphy.

She remarked: “I have learned much from him as a true professional. He will be greatly missed by the team here in the surgery and the wider community.”