Michael Murphy announces inter-county retirement
The Glenswilly player captained Donegal to success in the 2012 All-Ireland SFC and made 200 appearances for the county over a 20-year spell
The Donegal County Board has today announced that 2012 All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy has retired from intercounty football.
The player informed management of his intentions in recent weeks, after the club championship concluded with Glenswilly.
The 37-year-old has been Donegal’s talisman for a generation and captained the county for most of his career, having made his senior debut back in 2007.
In all, he made 2000 appearances for Donegal and in addition to lifting Sam Maguire in 2012, won six Ulster SFC crowns, the National Football League Division 1 in 2026 and Division 2 in 2011.
Two seasons ago, he came out of retirement winning a sixth Ulster medal, his fourth All-Star and a national league title in the process.
Paying tribute, County Board chairperson Mary Coughlan said: “Alas, we always knew this day would come but we are privileged to have watched the stellar career of Michael Murphy up close. What he has given Donegal GAA on and off the field is simply extraordinary, while always an ambassador par excellence and role model for so many young people in our county and beyond.
He is one of the giants of the modern game and when players talk about leaving the jersey in a better place on retiring, Michael has certainly done that. He has carried himself with tremendous dignity and integrity at all times. His innate modesty is a foil for a fierce competitor who never gave less than 100% while inspiring others around him to do likewise.”