Jarlath Burns hails Michael Murphy as the ‘best ever’ player from Donegal

GAA President Jarlath Burns was full of praise for Donegal legend Michael Murphy in his speech after Sunday’s All-Ireland final against Kerry.

The Glenswilly man scored eight points as Donegal were beaten by 1-26 to 0-19 against the Kingdom.

After two years away, he returned to the county set up for this season and his tally of 52 points over the season left him as second top scorer in the championship, behind David Clifford.

And the Armagh native and GAA President mentioned Murphy, who turns 36 next week, in his President’s address.

“To Donegal, I know you will be disappointed, you have won two Ulster titles in a row, and I think it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention a man who played his 89th championship match, and that is Michael Murphy.

“He owes his county nothing and he is the best player ever to come from the county, and we should all be proud to have watched that man play. What an incredible legend he has been for Donegal.”

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Burns also singled out Kerry manager Jack O’Connor for praise, while he began by addressing the success of the new rules, of which Murphy was part of the Football Review Committee that helped introduce the new rules.

“Last year, we took this game apart, and we put it together again.

“We wanted to make it more playable, more watchable, and more enjoyable, and we want to thank the players, the supporters, our players, coaches, and everybody for the patience shown, making our game the wonderful game it has become.

“I also want to thank the Football Review Committee, led by the incredible chair Jim Gavin, for what they have done to make this game the best field sport in the world.”