MARY Murphy (née Barry), who died on January 18th this year, holds a unique position in the history of Irish bloodstock, being the first female appointed a director to the board of the Irish National Stud.

Formerly of Bishopsland Stud in Kildare, and previously Kilcock, she began her interest in the bloodstock industry after her marriage to Matt Murphy in 1961, garnering a wealth of knowledge. Following the death of her husband in 1979, she took over the reins, and despite having to endure a steep learning curve, managed a successful breeding and boarding operation until 1990. In her role as a director of the Irish National Stud, Mary was keen to ensure that stallion options and fees suited all breeders, especially the smaller establishments.

Also predeceased by her brother Fr Mattie Barry C.M., she is survived by her children Elizabeth, Jane, Eleanor, Robert, Judith, Peter and Ruth, sons-in-law Denis, Shay and Alan, grandchildren Ross, Helen, Peter, David and Juliette, sisters Ann and Sr Elizabeth, and brothers Christopher and Joe. Her burial took place in St Conleth’s Cemetery, Kildare Town, following a requiem mass in the nearby Carmelite Church.