Mr Donal R. Murray (1956)

Provided by Mrs Mary Murray

Donal Murray B.E. D.I.C. Eur. Ing. C. Eng M.I.E.I.

Donal graduated in civil engineering from University College Dublin and then undertook post graduate studies at the Imperial College. He was a chartered member of the Institute of Engineers of Ireland. Throughout his career Donal was responsible for many private and public construction projects around the country - including local authority contracts for roads, bridges, water and sewage schemes.

Apart from engineering Donal was also involved in the commercial life of Navan. He was one of the first members of the Navan Chamber of Commerce and subsequently served as president. He was also involved in the establishment and development of the Navan Trade Fairs, the Chamber of Commerce building, the Exhibition Centre and the inauguration of the Crannac Co-operative Society. His interest in new development, especially those associated with construction prompted him to visit many continental trade fairs and exhibitions.

Donal loved nature and the countryside and had a keen interest in the history and archaeology of his native Meath and also further apart. Later in life he devoted his time to farming and the development of farm forestry. He was particularly interested in silviculture and forest management, including ecological measures for wildlife conservation and biodiversity enhancement.

On a personal level Donal was a kind and caring husband, a man of integrity without any pretensions. He was reserved and unassuming, a man of few words but who was always available to give advice when asked.