David Murphy

Who is David Murphy?

David Murphy was an Irish composer and harper.

Murphy, a native of County Mayo, is one of two men credited by Captain Francis O'Neill with composing the air, An Tighearna Mhaigheo/Lord Mayo.

O'Neill gives this account of its composition:

"The circumstances which led to its inspiration were as follows: David Murphy undoubtedly a man of genius, who had been taken under the protection of Lord Mayo through benevolent motives, incurred his patron’s displeasure by some misconduct. Anxious to propitiate his Lordship, Murphy consulted a friend, Capt. Finn, of Boyle, Roscommon. The latter suggested that an ode expressive of his patron’s praise, and his own penitence, would be the most likely to bring about the desired reconciliation."

"The result was in the words of the learned Charles O’Conor, “the birth of one of the finest productions for sentiment and harmony, that ever did honor to any country.”"

"Apprehensive that the most humble advances would not soften his Lordship’s resentment.