Tributes have been paid following the sad passing over Christmas of much-loved Donegal social worker, Rhona Murphy.<\/p>\n
Before the commencement of today\u2019s sitting of Letterkenny District Court, Judge Emile Daly paid tribute to Ms Murphy and expressed heartfelt condolences to her bereaved family.<\/p>\n
The popular Buncrana woman, who was married to Barry Coady and the mother of four children, died on December 28 at the Donegal Hospice and was laid to rest on New Year\u2019s Eve in Cockhill graveyard.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A minute\u2019s silence was also held prior to the commencement of the court at Letterkenny Courthouse.<\/p>\n
In her professional role in court, Ms Murphy acted as guardian ad litem \u2013 an independent, court-appointed professional who represents a child\u2019s best interests and voice in legal proceedings, particularly in child welfare cases.<\/p>\n
Judge Daly, the presiding judge in District Number One, said she was a \u201cmuch-loved practitioner who appeared regularly at this court on childcare matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Murphy provided what Judge Daly said was \u201cinvaluable assistance\u201d to the court and said news of her passing, following a very short illness, came with immense shock and sadness.<\/p>\n
Late of Oakfield Close, Buncrana and formerly of St Columba\u2019s Avenue, Buncrana and Poles, Co Cavan, she appeared in courts across the country in her role.<\/p>\n
Judge Daly said the late Ms Murphy was \u201cadmired, loved and respected\u201d by other practitioners, court staff, Gardai, social workers and judges, \u201cbut most importantly by the many vulnerable children for whom she advocated and made sure their voice was heard\u201d.<\/p>\n
Judge Daly said: \u201cShe made sure that the interests of the children were always to the forefront.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Murphy became a qualified social worker in 2000 and worked with both the HSE and the Child and Family Agency.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe had a wealth of knowledge and was always up to date with new developments,\u201d Judge Daly said. \u201cShe was, in a nutshell, an expert and her judgement was second to none. She had many skills: she was empathetic, a great communicator and was reasoned. She was able to see potential and a way forward for young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe had a great ability to observe and she provided the court with clear insight into what the court needed to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Judge Daly said Ms Murphy had \u201chuge heart and desire\u201d and was \u201csomeone who saw hope in challenging situations.\u201d<\/p>\n
The judge added: \u201cShe undertook her work with great positivity and a smile. It was clear that her heart was in the job and it was hard to see anyone more suited to the job.<\/p>\n
\u201cRhona always enjoyed her court days in Letterkenny, which is a comfort for practitioners. She is certainly missed in this courtroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Murphy is survived by her beloved husband Barry Coady, their children Emily, Sophie, Elsa and Ben and her siblings Denyse, Derek and Ruth.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Judge leads tributes to much-loved social worker, Rhona Murphy was last modified: January 23rd, 2026 by Staff Writer<\/p>\n
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