McShea's Say: A genius departs as Michael Murphy hangs up Donegal boots

AS Donegal’s wonderful captain Michael Murphy  retires, the word genius will rightly be the most common description of his contribution to Gaelic football.

It’s a word that is accurate but, inadequate, at the same time. It doesn’t come close to reflecting his mesmerising individualism because he was much more than just a genius, he was comprehensively better than the rest. 

He was the most accomplished player of the last decade. No footballer imposed himself so completely on the imagination as Michael did. The opposition was there so that he could only torment them. 

I first saw Michael play for the Donegal minors in Clones against Monaghan, many moons ago, where he kicked two 45s for fun and even then, his class was evident. 

When the script is finally written about Donegal football, it will probably state that Michael could have played in any position. For Donegal Michael was the main man. When he got the ball it electrified the place. 

He never lacked self-confidence, but some were not aware of how hard he worked on his game. Most things came very naturally to him. But when you have so much natural skill everyone wants to put you in your place. 

Michael had deceptive pace and speed and once a game started, the adrenalin started to pump. He was a phenomenally strong player, and we have all marvelled at him taking impossible scores with defenders hanging out of him. 

He scored treasured goals with shots of rippling power. His runs began on the halfway line and increased in pace the further he travelled. He was ultra-competitive to an almost compulsive fixated degree. 

For a big man, he had poise and balance. He really was the complete player, sublimely two footed, superb in the air and he was blessed with exceptional peripheral vision, which allowed him to see the scene ahead panoramically. 

Michael was brought into the county senior team at the tender age of 17 from minor level with a view to reaching football maturity in two or three years. He made the grade after a few weeks. 

And while he came on the team at that tender age, his football thinking was of a man ten years older. Donegal followers shared an almost emotional connection with him which was profoundly felt as though he had been a member of one’s own family.

He was affectionately known as ‘Murphy’, not Michael, as if he was one of our own. Two years ago, I was invited to Tullamore for a fundraiser for the late Paddy Fenning the - Offaly forward who was suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. 

On the panel were Pat O’Neill, the former Dublin All-Ireland winner, and manager, Seamus Darby, the Offaly forward whose famous goal thwarted Kerry’s drive for five, Johnny Hughes Galway’s All-Star defender and myself. 

RTE’s Damien Lawlor, who was master of ceremonies, asked us all: ”If there was a transfer market IN GAA, what player in Ireland would you sign?” The three boys instantly answered Michael Murphy, while I said that he was undoubtedly the greatest ever to wear the Donegal jersey. 

Michael Murphy was a tremendous athlete, he was blessed with a great engine, a versatile performer, BUT he had another quality, which meant he stood out from all his colleagues. 

He was blessed with a maturity that stretched way beyond his years, and it was no surprise that he captained Donegal to five Ulster titles and only our second All-Ireland victory. 

Michael led Donegal to more than his fair share of memorable victories with epic performances that ignited the imagination of our supporters. My fervent hope is that others can emulate his lofty standards. 

If young players in the future can live up to his trademark determination and staggering dignity, it will be a magnificent legacy he has left us. Michael’s decision to retire from county football is a huge blow to new manager Paddy Carr.

No manager in the country could do anything but rue the loss of such a special talent. Already there is speculation that Michael may have a change of heart when the days get warmer and longer. 

I’m not too sure that this will happen. Michael is building his new house and gets married next year while his role as head of sport in Letterkenny is a very senior post now that the college has deservedly attained university status. 

His two most ardent admirers wherever Donegal played were his dad Mick and his mum Mary, special people who were quietly very proud of their only son. Knowing them both it is fair to say that the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

A note to Michael, your retirement was performed with the same integrity, honesty and charm, which you have manifested throughout the last fifteen years with the team. You led the team to success and played a major role in bringing pride back to Donegal football. 

I’m grateful to have witnessed it. You and your teams put a spring in our step. We walked with the best and did not feel inferior.