Thomas Murphy

Stratten’s Business Guide to Dublin. Cork, and South of Ireland” (1892) has an interesting extract that says in part:

THOMAS MURPHY, Merchant Tailor, 9, Marlboro’ Street, Cork

This may almost be described as a business of specialities, for, under the modest and unassuming title of tailor, Mr. MURPHY carries on a business which includes the making of naval and military uniforms, clerical habiliments, gentleman's riding breeches, ladies’ riding habits...The business was founded by the present proprietor about 15 years ago [1877], and from the commencement the career of the house has been eminently prosperous….. There are from sixteen to twenty experienced workmen constantly employed on the premises, everything being done under the eye and by the direction of Mr. MURPHY….

These premises - already associated with ancestor John Joseph Murphy (born about 1861 – descendants emigrated to New Zealand) appear then to have been owned originally by Thomas Murphy.

There is detail of the death of the tailor Mr Thomas Murphy 11th August 1915 at age 67
4460036.pdf (irishgenealogy.ie)

However, Probate lists of 1915 mention Thomas Murphy “late of 9 Marlboro Street and Evergreen Road”. Thomas’ age would have been 72 years based on the 1911 census record of the Murphy household at House Number 15 Evergreen Road. If these records relate to one individual then the census record is more likely being by his own hand.

Thomas has now been found to be John's uncle. 
Brothers Thomas Murphy (born about 1845) and Michael Murphy (born 1839) were both children of Timothy Murphy and Mary Connell.
Michael Murphy was the father of John Joseph Murphy (born 1870).

Both families had children that continued the tailoring trade in Cork.