Murphy had behaved 'bizarrely' before arson
On July 5, 1999, Murphy was off from work in Clifden, Co Galway, with injured ribs for which he received an anti-inflammatory injection and prescription painkillers, when he decided to visit the island.
The jury heard how Murphy consumed 10 pints and behaved ‘‘bizarrely’’ in a pub in Middlequarter before he was thrown out of the premises early in the morning for annoying customers.
In a statement to police, Murphy admitted being in a ‘‘rage’’ at the way he was treated during his stay on the island and that he started the fire out of a desire for revenge.
In the statement, Murphy said: ‘‘I was mad at the way I was treated since coming on to the island.
‘‘I could see a settee and long curtains. I started to light papers I found in the kitchen with a lighter I had on me.
‘‘I started lighting the papers for a sort of revenge at the way I was treated in the pub.
‘‘I had it in the back of my mind that it (fire) would take hold, but it didn’t bother me then. I was not worried about the consequences. I was in a rage.’’
Ms McFadden had three grown-up children, who were in court for the sentencing, and ten grandchildren.
The younger sister had retired from her job as an air traffic controller.
In his statement Murphy added: ‘‘I cannot say that it bothered me if there were other people in the house or not because I was in a bad mood.
‘‘I felt everyone was against me. This was a way of expressing my revenge.’’
Then Murphy ran to the local pier and jumped into the sea.
He was rescued by local people and later arrested by detectives called to the island to investigate the deaths.
Outside court, Ms McFadden’s daughter, Margaret Doe, said: ‘‘We are now pleased this matter is concluded.
‘‘However, whatever the sentence it will not restore the lives of three innocent people.
‘‘Our thoughts are with the people of Inishbofin who helped us cope with this needless, tragic incident.’’
Superintendent Tony O’Dowd told the court that the 150 inhabitants of the holiday island were normally ‘‘very welcoming’’.
But he said: ‘‘As a result of this crime their open-door policy has more or less gone - they have become far more careful and far more security-conscious.’’
Anthony Sammon SC, defending, told the court there was evidence that Murphy was developing a ‘‘serious alcohol problem’’.
He told the judge: ‘‘This young man stands in disbelief at what has occurred at his hands.
‘‘I would ask your lordship to allow this young man to come to terms, as he must, with the awful tragedy that he brought about.
‘‘He must approach life on the basis that he is one of those persons for whom alcohol is unsuitable. Being a teetotaller is the correct option for him.’’
Murphy’s former employer, Peter Heffernan, said: ‘‘You could not get a better waiter. He was very loyal, honest - a good worker. Everyone loved him, he was a good character.’’
Murphy is one of six children and his father, Frank, a teacher, and mother leaned forward and squeezed his shoulders as he was sentenced.
He has already spent nearly 15 months in custody.
