His major assignments included the revolutions of Eastern Europe in 1989, German unification, the last days of Margaret Thatcher, funerals of the Ayatollah and Emperor Hirohito. Murphy was a frequent visitor to Moscow in the turbulent times when McDonald's and Gorbachev arrived and 75 years of an old order left.
Murphy was involved in significant events throughout the late 20th century, including the revolutions in Eastern Europe (1989), German reunification, Margaret Thatcher's departure, the funerals of Ayatollah Khomeini and Emperor Hirohito, and the period of change in Russia during the arrival of McDonald's and Gorbachev.