Mayor reaches new heights in parachute jump

CORK’S county mayor had a hair-raising experience recently – but it was all for a good cause. 

Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy plunged 10,000ft towards the ground at 150mph in a fundraising tandem parachute jump, described as ‘an amazing experience.’

The jump, which took place in Offaly, generated almost €20,000 for Cork Cancer Connect, Eyeries Family Festival, Eyeries Tidy Towns Committee and the Eyeries playground.

Cllr Murphy told The Southern Star: ‘I wasn’t worried about the jump before I got on the plane and as we were sitting in the doorway, I didn’t have a bother on me.’

Cllr Murphy, who had his instructor strapped behind him, was in control of the descent and also the opening of the parachute, and admitted that as he hurtled towards the ground, it was the landing that had him most concerned.

‘I was surprised to see how fast the ground was approaching after the parachute was opened,’ Cllr Murphy said.

‘But it all worked out well and I want to thank all those who supported my parachute jump and the team who looked after us at the Irish Parachute Club,’ he said.