Remarkable numbers of Michael Murphy keep ticking after Donegal comeback

When Michael Murphy left Clones in June 2022, after Donegal were beaten 3-17 to 0-16 by Armagh in an All-Ireland qualifier, he felt that that was that.

He had, in his mind, played his final game for Donegal.

The future can sometimes be protective of its secrets and there is to be an epilogue to his Donegal story after all, Murphy convinced to return by Jim McGuinness and end his spell in retirement. 

The reaction to Murphy’s introduction on Sunday against Armagh will live long in the memory.

Sean MacCumhaill Park, with 13,109 in attendance, has rarely felt a moment like it. Confirmation of Murphy being added to the Donegal panel pre-match was greeted with a huge roar. The noise was deafening when he came in for Jamie Brennan in the 44th minute.

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“It’s the type of game that sticks in the memory whenever you hang the boots up,” McGuinness said after the 0-21 to 1-10 win.

Or even when you take them off the nail again. 

It was as if Murphy was never away as he arrowed over three points having first taken receipt of Aidan Forker’s head to his chest - a bizarre, needless action for which the Armagh captain was sent off.

Murphy is widely regarded as Donegal’s greatest ever player - and his numbers highlight that belief.

It was some 981 days since Murphy, who skippered Donegal to Sam Maguire in 2012, last played for the county. 

After Sunday’s trio of points Murphy has now scored 34 goals and 616 points for Donegal: a grand total of 718 points - and counting…

The 35-year-old has now featured in 178 games at senior level for Donegal. 

Only 16 times has the Glenswilly man failed to score for Donegal - seven of those when he came on as a sub.

He has now entered his 17th season on the senior squad. 

It was in the 2017 Ulster Championship win over Antrim – when he scored 0-6 – that Murphy bypassed Colm McFadden’s tally of 25 goals and 438 points, a total of 513 posted by the St Michael’s man who was previously the county’s top marksman.

“A phenomenal player,” remarked Ryan McHugh of Murphy on Sunday. “It’s unbelievable to have him. He will only improve us.”

Patrick McBrearty is third in the all-time scoring charts having leapfrogged fellow Kilcar man Martin McHugh during the 2024 season. McBrearty is third only behind Murphy and McFadden having posted 14 goals and 442, a total of 484 points for Donegal.