Garrett Murphy's recent death, just two days after his 52nd birthday, was a huge loss to his family, many friends and colleagues in the Central Bank of Ireland.
His great abilities were evident at an early age. After some years in Colaiste Mhuire in Dublin, a scholarship took him to Good Council College in New Ross. His Leaving Certificate won him a further scholarship which he made good use of at UCD, gaining a primary and then a master's degree in economics.
His early working years were spent in the Departments of Local Government and of Finance. He joined a growing team of young economists in the Central Bank of Ireland in the early 1970s. It was an exciting time as we had just joined the EEC and the initial building blocks for the ERM and monetary union were being laid. From his early days in the foreign relations area, through his time in monetary policy, research, government loans and domestic economic affairs, to his more recent years supervising financial institutions, his many gifts and achievements ensured his steady rise through the ranks.
Along with his fine intellect and academic background, Garrett brought great energy and enthusiasm to his work. He was forthright in his views, which he transmitted with force and honesty. Garrett had panache. This, together with his natural charm, humour and sense of proportion, ensured that he was also liked and admired.
He was in his element working in the international arenas. In the course of his career, he served with distinction on many European and other international committees. He has left lasting favourable impressions on his many colleagues in other central banks and supervisory agencies.
In 1992 he achieved a lifetime ambition when he was appointed as Alternate Executive Director in the IMF, a responsibility he discharged with distinction and style. He loved his three years in the US and made many friends there. When I visited him in Washington, it was quite clear that he was very happy and fulfilled.
Two years ago Garrett was given overall responsibility for the bank's supervisory function, which covers most of the financial institutions in Ireland. His many talents were essential for this onerous task at a time of much change and public debate. He will be sorely missed.
I had the privilege of working with Garrett over the last few months. His mental strength and energy, his good humour, calm and dignity as he fulfilled his responsibilities on the one hand and talked of his illness and his impending death on the other, left me lost in admiration. It is a tragedy that he had been struck down at a time when he obviously had so much to contribute. I will miss him as a friend and a colleague. The bank as an institution has suffered a great loss.
We all extend our deep condolences to his wife, Annie, and his son, Sylvain; to his mother, Tereasa, to his sister, Thelma, and to his brothers, Ronan, Barry and Cormac.