My Greystones: Shane Murphy

Of course, the fecker is far too happy every single second of the frickin’ day not to be up to something.

Just what that might be, it’s hard to fathom, given that Shane Murphy spends most of his day chatting and laughing with the good people of Greystones as he sets about making The Happy Pear an even happier place.

Then again, maybe Shane just keeps remembering that there was a young girl called Brenda, who met a sexy young chef named Enda, and before you could shout “Snap!”, she’d married the chap, and can no longer return to sender.

That might just explain the constant chuckles.

Today, Enda and Brenda’s favourite child is an integral part of many a Greystonian’s day. Which is why it’s hard to believe that Shane Murphy has only been living here for the last three years. Born in Tallaght before moving to Bray at the age of 1 – along with sis, Lisa, and bro, Gavin – Shane did what any smart young man living in Bray would do – he got the hell out of there as soon as he could afford a flight. Looking for a little peace, love and quiet, our boy and his beautiful girlfriend, Aisling – ten years now, and the feckin’ eejit still hasn’t popped the question! – landed in Canada.

Turns out, Canada wasn’t quite peaceful, loving or quiet enough, and so the serene young couple then headed to Greystones, drawn in part by the promise of a job in The Happy Pear for Shane (thanks to rockin’ sister-in-law, Marlena). And the rest, as they say, is hummus. And free range tomatoes. And lots and lots of coffee, as Shane and fellow Happy Pear Roaster Paul Grimes spend their afternoons playing with their magic beans.

They don’t call these two a pair of complete and utter baristas for nothing.

Oh, and Shane’s parents really are called Enda and Brenda. Which must drive the family clean round the… well, you know.