Brian Murphy named as next governor of Mountjoy

The current director of operations in the Irish Prison Service, Brian Murphy has been named as the next governor of Mountjoy Prison.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald announced yesterday that Mr Murphy would take up the role as the new Mountjoy Prison campus governor on September 1st, succeeding Edward Whelan who retires at the month's end.

Mr Murphy served in the Department of Social Protection and in the Department of Agriculture before becoming principal officer in the Department of Finance.

Having joined the Prison Service as deputy director of operations in 2009, he went on to become director in 2012.

Ms Fitzgerald congratulated Mr Murphy on his appointment, adding that his “distinguished record” of public service and the experience gained throughout his career “will ensure that he has all the qualities needed for such a unique and challenging role”.

She also paid tribute to Mr Whelan, who is retiring after 42 years in the Irish Prison Service.

“He has served with distinction at the highest level of management . . . and has a proven track record of delivery in all the prisons for which he was responsible,” she said.

In Mountjoy, she said he had “overseen the transformation of a prison that was once earmarked for closure but has now been revitalised and modernised ensuring a standard of accommodation for prisoners that complies with domestic and international best practice.

“He leaves behind a proud record of dedicated service to the State in the finest tradition of the Irish Prison Service and, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government, I thank him for his service.”