Rory Gallagher pays tribute to 'a truly amazing person' in Michael Murphy

Former Donegal boss Rory Gallagher paid a heartfelt tribute to Michael Murphy, describing him as an “exceptional human being and footballer whom it was a privilege to be around”. 

Gallagher, who coached Murphy from 2011-2013 and managed him from 2015 to 2017 said Murphy was a “superstar of Gaelic football”. Donegal captain Murphy announced his retirement from inter-county football on Wednesday, following 16 seasons in the green and gold.

“Probably only those of us fortunate enough to be sharing a dressing room with him and a training pitch with him would know the type of leader and the type of person he was.” the current Derry manager, Gallagher, said.

“He was absolutely the best team-mate you could ever wish for. Clearly a brilliant player, but the way he conducted himself to the highest standards, how he helped all of us and worked selflessly for the team. It was truly a privilege to be in that environment with him”. 

Gallagher first became aware of Murphy was watching him in a colleges’ match in Ballyshannon. 

“I followed him then and then he burst onto the scene with Donegal,” Gallagher added. “People tend to forget that he had some pretty dark days with Donegal. He is just a truly remarkable individual. 

Gallagher said that the strong mental strength Murphy possesses is just another of his outstanding characteristics.

Gallagher said: “He has lost five Ulster finals, an All-Ireland final, an All-Ireland U-21 final and a county final and it is just his real strength of character and resilience to come back and win an All-Ireland title, five Ulster titles, represent his country twice in the Compromise Rules and win three county titles with Glenswilly and a Sigerson Cup - and that speaks for itself.

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“Even though you lost some days there were some brilliant days to get that far but it was his great resilience that led Donegal to greater things”.

Gallagher said that the impact Murphy brought to Donegal during their rise from 2011 was incredible.

“Michael along with many others was a huge part of it and it was his ability to play for the team, to do what was needed for the team at one time,” the former Fermanagh boss added.

“There was a lot of debate about where he could and should have played but Michael just did what was asked of him on any given day and not only that he did it better than anybody else could have. But that was not just in those days, but he also did it in a training environment.

“In the dressing room he only spoke when he had something to say. He would choose his words carefully, but it was his passion for his county and his love and pride he had in representing Donegal was in every fibre of his being. 

“Michael also represented his teammates, his club Glenswilly and it shone through in his warrior-like spirit and there are very few like him. There have been lots of brilliant players and there always will be but there are very few players that would have had the same influence on the teams for whom he played”. 

Murphy might’ve stepped aside in a playing sense, although having worked with Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s Sigerson Cup side in 2020 and now the manager of Glenswilly minors, has the capabilities to lead the county from the sidelines in the coming years.

“I don’t know but I think that his love for Donegal, if he feels he can contribute as a coach and manager I could not see it not happenng and I could not see it not being the right fit.” Gallagher added.

“Because again every decision he would make, it would be about putting Donegal first. It would be again about setting an example.  As well as that there was a remarkable affection for him. 

“He comes across as a very steely resilient tough character, but he has a lovely softer side and a lovely manner with younger people and all of us enjoyed lots of social occasions as well and they were truly memorable. 

“The fun and the craic and the slagging were memorable too and he was very much a part of that too. They were very privileged moments too and they were moments that I certainly enjoyed too. He is a truly amazing person, and it is impossible to quantify the effect he had on his teammates and all of us in such an unassuming way”.