John Murphy (Special recognition award)

John Murphy's name is synonymous with the construction industry - a man who has become a giant of business.

Born at Loughmark near Cahersiveen in Co. Kerry John emigrated to London in the 1930s. He worked with various construction companies before taking on sub-contract work himself - laying the foundations of the civil engineering and building group which bears his name and now employs thousands of people.

Despite small resources initially John succeeded against formidable competition winning contracts across both Britain and Ireland. His diligence and quiet determination have resulted in the creation of a company that is now a household name. But despite the success John has never lost sight of his roots.

He has always kept close links with the Irish community in Britain and indeed engaged many of his fellow countrymen to work for him. Although renowned as a modest man, John's outstanding assets are an entrepreneurial leadership that motivates those around him, high standards in all work and exceptional loyalty.

It was his vision and determination to seize every opportunity offered him which has seen John Murphy rise to become one of the most outstanding businessmen of his and any other generation.

He is a legend in the construction industry and a man who has made an outstanding contribution to Irish life in Britain since first arriving here all those years ago.