PC Sheelagh Murphy   played by Bernie Nolan

First appearance    # 089 (12/02/03)        

Sheelagh Murphy, 44 years of age, was born in Southern Ireland - the oldest of five children. Her mother died when she was 13 - and Sheelagh ended up raising her brothers and sisters while her dad ran a pub. As a result, her education was a bit sporadic (the nuns would let her off - knowing she had responsibilities at home), but she was naturally quick-witted, and a good communicator. After leaving the family home and the responsibilities of raising her first family, she married taxi-driver Patrick and began her own family. Within four years she had 3 children. Once the children reached school age, Sheelagh pursued her first career as a nurse, which suited her caring side but didn't fulfill her entirely. She often ended up chatting to the many police officers who came into the hospital and began to think what life would be like as a copper.

Having brought up two families, Sheelagh was a natural mother figure - and it wasn't long before Sun Hill turned into family number three. As much as she enjoyed the camaraderie of the relief, she was soon spotted as a mature and capable candidate for promotion; a few months prior to joining Sun Hill, Sheelagh passed her Sergeant's Exams. Sheelagh was a natural carer - she could spot need and address it - sometimes before the needy realised it themselves. An open and honest person, she didn't need to make a martyr of herself like June or hide behind a tough-girl image like Gina. 

Sheelagh had been happily married for over twenty years until a disastrous affair with Des Taviner left her reeling. The loss of their baby and Des's death in custody left her on the brink. Things went from bad to worse for Sheelagh following her demotion back to PC and subsequent relationship with Sun Hill's resident nut Gabriel Kent. In the end, she decided to transfer to the Child Protection Unit at Croydon where she could make a fresh start.