A CORK man who died on hunger strike 99 years ago is to be awarded a posthumous medal in recognition of his role in the fight for independence.
Joe Murphy from Pouladuff passed away in October 1920 after 76 days on hunger strike. He had been arrested for possession of a bomb and was held in Cork Gaol.
His death, at the age of 25, came just hours after Lord Mayor of Cork, Terence MacSwiney, and was overshadowed by it.
The Irish government yesterday said he will be awarded a 1917-1921 official service medal.
Murphy's grand-niece Shirley Kelleher last night told RTÉ that her father had been fighting "all his life" to get recognition for the role his uncle played in the War of Independence.
She said Murphy was still remembered in his homeland.
"Everyone knows where Joe Murphy's house is and there is a plaque on it to honour him and we certainly try and keep him alive as much as we can," she said.
