Maura Murphy

Maura Murphy, née McNamee (September 6, 1928 – October 5, 2005) was an Irish writer. Her autobiography Don't Wake Me at Doyles became a surprise hit upon its publication in 2004.

Mary McNamee was born to a poor family in Clonmore, County Offaly. She moved to Birmingham, England in 1959.

Murphy was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1999. She began her autobiography shortly thereafter. The book focuses on her life of hardship and poverty, and is critical of the Roman Catholic Church's stances on women and contraception. Though separated, she and her husband maintained a life-long friendship. John Murphy was present during Maura's sudden passing in 2005.