Michael Murphy’s Donegal comeback will spark extra drama - Colm McFadden

It doesn’t take much to spark interest in an Ulster Championship tie, but when Donegal meet Derry in Ballybofey this Sunday, there’s a little more than the usual dash of intrigue. 

You’ve got the reigning provincial champions and a side determined to prove last year was no fluke. You've got a derby with a rich history and a rivalry that’s still a bit raw. And then, just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ve got Michael Murphy coming out of retirement for the championship. 

It’s the perfect subplot. For over a decade, Murphy was Donegal’s lifeblood, the captain who guided them to an All-Ireland title in 2012, and the player opponents would base entire defensive strategies around.  

When he hung up his boots in 2022, it felt like a natural end, even if it was a painful one. But something stirred inside Murphy. Watching Donegal lift the Anglo-Celt Cup last year, watching them push Galway in an All-Ireland semi-final, you could see it — he wanted back in. 

Colm McFadden, now a selector and former teammate of Murphy’s, isn’t at all shocked by the comeback of the Glenswilly native. 

“He probably felt the hunger watching on last year and seeing the team progress to an Ulster Championship and getting to an All-Ireland semi-final, he probably knew that he had something still to offer, so once he made that decision himself, there was only one person who was going to bring him back to the field.” 

And that person, as McFadden points out, was always going to be Murphy himself. Speculation was rife, but as with everything Murphy does, it was a decision that would come only when the time was right. 

“There’s only one player that’ll change Michael’s mind and that was his own.” 

While some might have assumed the 35-year-old would be happy sticking to the BBC gig and calling it a day, McFadden has a different perspective on Murphy’s return. 

“You have to admire him too, it’s a courageous one,” the former corner-forward said. “The easier thing for him to do would be to just stay at the BBC and do the media. Fair play to him — he’s done well in three two League games he’s shown up for. Hopefully, he can bring that form and experience to the Championship and help Donegal.” 

For McFadden, Murphy’s initial retirement had been a hard pill to swallow. Like any true Donegal fan, he hated seeing his old teammate leave. But to see him back, even in a different role, is something special. 

“There was nobody more disappointed than myself when Michael retired. We couldn’t believe it. After playing with him, you always want to watch the best players play. And with him, you want your best players playing for the county.” 

The buzz wasn’t just from the fans. The Donegal players themselves were feeling it when Murphy stepped back onto the pitch during the league campaign. For a team full of players who’d grown up idolising him, it was as much about nostalgia as it was about his ability to make a difference. 

“When he came on against Armagh, the players weren’t saying anything to us but I’m sure they were excited. They’re Donegal fans too. They’ve got the jersey on, but deep down, they were probably just as happy as anyone to see him back. 

“He’s human too, and I’m sure there was a lot of emotion going through him that day when he came on the field (against Armagh). Everyone in the county was delighted to see him back, and it was great to see him kicking that point early on and get settled in.” 

Donegal come into this Ulster opener with plenty of momentum following a good league. Jim McGuinness has them ticking over again, but Murphy’s presence alone has the potential to change the dynamic.  

Murphy won’t be the player who carries Donegal to glory on his own anymore, but his sheer force of will in key moments might be enough to tip the balance. 

Derry, for their part, won’t be rattled either. They still have something to prove after last year’s shock Ulster championship defeat and no doubt will be a formidable challenge. But no matter how this game plays out, Murphy’s return adds an extra layer of drama that no one can ignore. 

A new chapter in a storied career. For Donegal fans, it’s a chapter they wouldn’t miss for the world.