ESB man honoured at the People of the Year Awards

Richard Murphy, Great Island Generating Station, was among the winners of this year's Rehab Kilkenny People of Year Awards. Richard from Tullogher, South Kilkenny, was the winner of the Achievement Award in this popular scheme, organised to give public recognition to the people of Kilkenny for their contribution to society.

Richie works in Technical Services, where he is the I.T. Coordinator, and is highly qualified in his field. He holds a Masters qualification in Microsoft Office User Specialist and has achieved his vast expertise in information technology despite having to use a pencil to operate his computer keyboard. Richie has Arthrogryposis, which is a muscle disorder that causes multiple joint contractures at birth. A contracture is a limitation in the range of motion of a joint. It is nonprogressive and is relatively rare, occurring in approximately one in 3,000 births. The 34-year-old has undergone more than 20 operations to enable him to walk with the aid of crutches.

Richie is interested in all sports, including Soccer, Hurling. He has travelled all over USA and Europe and makes regular trips to Old Trafford to see his beloved Manchester United in action. He was presented with his award by Paraic O'Rourke, Managing Director, Kilkenny Block Company Limited, on Friday 3rd November at the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny.