Tom Murphy Car Sales win Special Recognition Award
Irish Motor Industry Awards 2025 held at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin.
Waterford’s Tom Murphy of Tom Murphy Car Sales received the Special Recognition award at the recent Irish Motor Industry Awards held at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin.
Hosted The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), this year's coveted winners were revealed in front of over 700 senior figures in Ireland’s motor industry, all of which offered a standing ovation to Tom Murphy, as his award was announced.
The independent panel adjudicated the winners in six award categories that recognized excellence and best practices in the Irish Motor Industry over the past year.
Master of Ceremonies on the night was actor and presenter, Simon Delaney, who commended Tom Murphy for his years of service to Waterford.
He said: “The final award of this evening is an award for Special Recognition, which goes to a person whose career has spanned over sixty years. He’s not only shaped the industry, but he’s also mentored countless leading figures along the way."
Tom previously served as President of SIMI, during which time he helped establish the society’s careers service, which focused on attracting young people into the motor industry, a message which he continues to highlight today.
Speaking to the Waterford News & Star about the recognition, Tom Murphy said he was delighted to have received the award, saying that he has worked in the motor industry for 56 years, 46 years of which he has worked for himself. The award recognised his work in encouraging young people in the industry and elevating it to where it is today.
Further speaking during the ceremony, Simon Delaney paid tribute to Tom Murphy's dedication to the local community in Waterford.
He said: “Tom has also given up time to support his local schools and colleges, his unwavering passion and lust for promoting the next generation of apprentices continues on.
“He continues to support the society as one of its entrustees, and beyond his professional achievements, he’s a very proud Waterford man and he’s a very proud family man.
“He’s deeply committed to his local community, helping with local causes and charities and tonight we recognised the winner of the special recognition award Tom Murphy. Tom, from me to you, well deserved, congratulations.”
Watch a video of Mr Delaney's comments below
A recent example of this community initiative was this year’s Clean Up For Litter Challenge, with Tom Murphy Car Sales sponsoring the €1,500 prize, which went to Waterpark College in recognition of their dedication to keeping their local areas litter-free.
Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr Jason Murphy highlighted the support of Tom Murphy in the initiative this year and his staunch role as a staunch advocate for Waterford for over 50 years.
Also speaking at the recent SIMI Ceremony, SIMI President Jonathan Meade expressed his pride in the motor industry as a whole, which remains resilient, forward-thinking, and committed to serving customers, communities, and the country.
Mr. Meade stated: “With the incentives in place over the last few years, we are on track to achieve the 2025 interim target of 175,000 electric cars.
“This proves incentives do work and highlights the importance of maintaining supports for businesses and consumers to encourage EV sales. Of equal importance is the investment in charging infrastructure. We need a robust, fast, and reliable charging network to ensure a seamless EV experience.”
