A true story from the Belfast docks
Memories and Observations
The diabolical story that Ireland doesn't want told.
For 75 years Hugh Murphy carried a story that others wanted forgotten: the docks, the asbestos, the strike that collapsed, and a lifetime of speaking out against corruption. This is his account, in his own words.
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The book
A secret kept for 75 years
Discover the story of a man who lived with a secret for 75 years and was determined to speak out against corruption. In this book, readers will learn how to stand up against injustice and speak out for what is right.
It shows readers how to recognise and face corruption in their daily lives, how to take action to fight it, and how to take control of their lives and make a difference in the world.
Inside the book
- The story of a man who lived with a secret for 75 years and found the courage to speak out against corruption
- Strategies to identify and fight injustice
- Insights on how to make a difference in the world
- Steps to take control of your life
- A plan to stand up for what is right
Memories And Observations
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The diabolical story that Ireland doesn't want told.Memories And Observations · Hugh Murphy
The story behind it
One man against the system
Told in Hugh's own voice, this is a story of working people, of accountability, and of one man's refusal to let the truth be quietly put away.
Life on the docks
The work, the men and the community of the Belfast docks, told by someone who was there.
The asbestos dispute
A worker who refused to stay quiet about how asbestos was handled, and what it cost him.
The strike
How a short strike began, and how it collapsed.
Accountability
Decades of questions about justice and corruption in Ireland that Hugh believes still need answers.
In his own words
Hugh, unfiltered
Lines from Hugh's open letter to the European Union.
Irish journalists are not in fear. But they know who not to upset.Hugh Murphy · Open letter to the EU
Have you forgotten? Ireland is also in the European Union.Hugh Murphy · Open letter to the EU
The word Hugh uses for a country where, he says, the truth is covered up instead of told. Read the article →

About the author
From the docks to the page
Hugh Murphy started work on the Belfast docks and soon earned a reputation for asking questions others would not. When he objected to the way asbestos was being handled, he was dismissed, and a short strike followed.
After leaving the docks, Hugh turned to writing. His stage play Justice was performed across Northern Ireland and at the Belfast and Dublin theatre festivals. Today he writes about justice, civil liberties and corruption in Ireland.
Hugh Murphy
Writing
Hugh speaks out
Hugh writes regularly about corruption, justice and accountability in Ireland, and publishes his articles on LinkedIn.
An open letter to the EU on the corruption in Ireland
Hugh's open letter to the European Union, asking it to look at corruption in Ireland.
“Have you forgotten? Ireland is also in the European Union.”Read on LinkedIn
The scandal about care homes is understandable, when compared to the cover up of asbestos deaths of dockers in Belfast and Dublin
Hugh sets the care homes scandal beside the asbestos deaths of dockers in Belfast and Dublin.
Read on LinkedInCorruption in IrelandIreland is a corrupracy
The word Hugh uses for a country where, he says, the truth is covered up instead of told.
Read on LinkedInPress, podcasts and radio
Interview Hugh
Hugh is available for interviews, podcasts, radio, talks and book club visits. Everything you need to feature him is in the press kit.
- Biography and author photo
- Book details and ISBNs
- His plays, Justice and The Judas Goat
- Suggested interview topics
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Memories And Observations is available in paperback, as an ebook and as an audiobook.
Outside the UK? Get the paperback on Amazon.com or ask your local bookshop for ISBN 9781960175021.
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