An Cosantóir

33 NIEMBA AMBUSH 60 YEARS ON matter of days we mobilised a service that saw us moving something like 60 tankers in 15 days in the eastern region." This particular experience had a formative impact on Paddy: "The strike and what we had to do may have sown the seeds in my mind that I was capable of doing other things. I realised that we as soldiers were actually capable - and had the training - to do much more than we realised." Fast forward to 1987 and retirement from the Army... But you can't keep a man like Paddy down. An advertisement for a Director with the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) soon caught his eye. "I was always interested in the work of the Foundation but the advert said they were looking for someone between the ages of 35 and 50 – something they couldn't do now – and I was 49 so I applied but I didn't really think I had much of a chance. It was actually the first time I had ever applied for a job, as I had gone straight in to the Army. But I was called for interview and got it! There's no doubt my Army background and training was a big help." At the IHF Paddy used all the organisational skills that the Army had taught him, plus he had plenty of his own ideas about how the Foundation's work could be improved. "I enjoyed this new part of my life and I was given the scope to do what I wanted. It was another aspect of health and physical wellbeing." Paddy oversaw the Foundation and its important work for 14 years, finally retiring in 1987. But not before he had been nominated by the European Heart Foundation to be Vice President of the World Heart Federation, an acknowledgement of his valuable work over the years. But even then, Paddy was not content to lie back and enjoy retirement. Still pursuing in interest in physical fitness and good health, he developed a concept called Sli na Slainte (Path to Health) in 1996. This motivational physical activity programme, which won widespread support, was implemented by Councils across the country and has even been adopted internationally. Paddy believes it can be developed even further still, with the obvious benefits to public health, and is actively pursuing Government Ministers and State agencies to give their backing. "The aim is to encourage personal fitness. I wanted to highlight the importance of physical activity for a person's overall health and wellbeing. I wanted something for the man and woman in the street who didn't have to buy expensive tracksuits or runners but could just walk out of their door and take part." And no doubt, with Paddy's determination and unique skills, Sli na Slainte will continue to be another outstanding success. This remarkable man's race is not run yet! Ends Army: Retired from Defence Forces (DF) as Commandant in 1987 after 30 years' service, mostly in S&T Corps. Served with 7th Infantry Group UNFICYP in Cyprus in 1966/67 and 53rd Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Lebanon in 1983. * Petrol Drivers' Strike: He was Officer Commanding 2nd Garrison S&T Coy in 1983 when unit was made the designated operational unit (Eastern Command) in petrol drivers dispute from Oct 1-15. Army took over oil depots and oil distribution. * Cosantoir 10km: Paddy organised the first event on Oct 15th, 1980 - 81, 82 and in the Lebanon while serving with UNIFIL in 1983. * ABF Annual DF Concert in NCH: Produced and compered the first concert in 1984 – and 85, 86. Irish Heart Foundation: Retired from DF in 1987 to take up appointment as CEO of IHF. He retired from IHF in 2000. Initiated Sli na Slainte (Path to Health) in 1996. This motivational physical activity programme was implemented nationwide and in 10 other countries. World Heart Federation (WHF): Board Member of WHF from 1996-2002 (Past Vice President). WHF is umbrella organisation for all heart foundations and cardiac societies in the world. As WHF representative in Africa he played a key role in establishing the African Heart Network and African Twinning Project. Sport: Played Hurling & Football at senior level in Dublin and Kildare - represented Dublin at county level in both codes (minor H & F, senior H). Music: Performed with his wife Marie O'Shea on RTE TV and Radio in the 70s – including National Song Contest 1972. With Marie presented own 4-week radio series annually of Mo Cheol Thu for 10 years. Polydor Record Company produced an Album (Romantic Ireland) of Paddy and Marie in 1973. Family: Paddy and Marie have four married daughters and 9 grandchildren – all living nearby in Dublin's north side. 33 AN COSANTOIR – CMT PADDY MURPHY (RETD) Paddy Murphy: Some Career Details Career Interests

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