Family of Lisa Murphy praise St Vincent’s oncology staff as funeral arranged for Tuesday

Model died on Thursday at the age of 51 after ‘bravely fighting a long illness’, family say

The family of the late model Lisa Murphy have expressed their “sincere gratitude” to all the staff at St Vincent’s hospital, and in particular the oncology department, for their “care and support over the years.”

Ms Murphy of Ballinteer in Dublin died on Thursday at the age of 51 after “bravely fighting a long illness.”

She was predeceased by her older brother Paul and is survived by her parents Des and Eileen and her siblings Noel and Kira.

Ms Murphy’s body will lie in repose at a funeral home in Rathfarnham on Monday afternoon, with her funeral mass at 11am on Tuesday in Ballinteer followed by burial in Mount Venus Cemetery.

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Ms Murphy, who was from Ballinteer, starred in the reality show Dublin Wives between 2012 and 2013.

She was a regular fixture on the Dublin social scene during the Celtic Tiger years and was previously involved in relationships with solicitor Gerald Kean, dancer Michael Flatley, and boxer Joe Egan.

The family of the late model Lisa Murphy have expressed their “sincere gratitude” to all the staff at St Vincent’s hospital, and in particular the oncology department, for their “care and support over the years.”

Ms Murphy of Ballinteer in Dublin died on Thursday at the age of 51 after “bravely fighting a long illness.”

She was predeceased by her older brother Paul and is survived by her parents Des and Eileen and her siblings Noel and Kira.

Ms Murphy’s body will lie in repose at a funeral home in Rathfarnham on Monday afternoon, with her funeral mass at 11am on Tuesday in Ballinteer followed by burial in Mount Venus Cemetery.

The former beauty salon owner was a member of the Dublin Wives reality TV show on TV3 in 2012 and 2013. She was a familiar face on the Irish social scene during the Celtic Tiger years and was previously engaged to Irish dancer Michael Flately. She also had a long-term relationship with solicitor Gerald Kean.

Michael Flatley told the Irish Independent that he had visited Lisa in hospital before she died. He said she was a “lovely caring person.”

Former Miss World Rosanna Davison said that she had “great memories” of Lisa who was a “really kind, bubbly, fun, really sweet woman.”

Solicitor Gerald Kean said she was a “bright spark” who was never disparaging or unkind and instead liked to live her life in a positive manner.

“She never had a bad word to say about anybody. She was a beaming light. She was so positive. She was always smiling. Nothing got her down,” he said.

Mr Kean said Ms Murphy was a positive influence on his daughter. “She was in the life of my daughter from about 10 to 18 and not only Kirsten my daughter but her two friends looked up to Lisa.

“Lisa deserved all the luck in the world. Unfortunately, she didn’t get it in the end.”

He said Ms Murphy always had a way with children who naturally gravitated towards her.

“She was very good with kids and that is something everybody would say. You would find Lisa spending more time with children at a function than their parents,” he said.

Meanwhile, model Holly Carpenter said that Lisa was a very kind person.

“I met Lisa a few times over the years at various events and I thought she was lovely. Lisa had such a sweet gentle nature and always made time to stop and say hello. I found her to be very warm and kind and I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing.”

Model Rozanna Purcell posted on social media that Ms Murphy was always one of the first people to approach her at an event to be “kind and welcoming”.

“She really was such a nice person.”

Broadcaster Maia Dunphy was among those to pay tribute to her following her death.

“I’m so sad to hear of the passing of Lisa Murphy,” she said.

“I met her many times, and we couldn’t have been more different but I liked her so much. There’s lots I’d like to say, but now doesn’t feel like the time. All I will say is she was worth far more than how she was often treated.”

Former Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter said: “Very shocked to read about the passing of Lisa Murphy. She always came across so sweet, polite and kind natured any time I met her. Rest in peace Lisa. Thinking of her family and friends today.”

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Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson is an Irish Times reporter