McShea's Say: Murphy was a genius on the pitch and a gentleman off it
It is difficult to know where to start and finish when describing Michael Murphy and what he has achieved and contributed to the history of Gaelic football and, in particular, Donegal football.
He got off to a good start, as he was raised in a football household second to none.
Influenced by his dad, Michael, and his mum, Mary, he was always destined to excel in our great game.
His father is a proud Mayo man, and I have no doubt that if Michael had been born in Mayo, they would not have waited 75 years to bring Sam home!
Michael is an intensely private person who never courted publicity. He excelled under a number of different managers.
He is a legendary figure in Donegal football, but also nationally in the GAA. His expertise was unparalleled and his enthusiasm unquenchable, spanning so many years.
He played as if he believed that hard work and unremitting dedication made every goal attainable. His fascination with football was and is all-observing and all-consuming. He was athletic, strong, intelligent, very skilful, teak tough and so gracious on the ball.
When Donegal won a free from any distance, it was accepted that a Donegal score was guaranteed; such was his wonderful ability from the ground.
He was once again the standout player in this year's county championship, and his display in the county semi-final was incredible.
When he retired prematurely two years ago, I had a call from Darragh O'Se, the wonderful Kerry midfielder.
He did not have Michael's number, but he wanted to congratulate Michael on his wonderful ability, having played in Australia with him. Darragh described him as one of the best footballers he ever had the pleasure of playing with.
Six years ago, I was on a panel in Tullamore with Pat O'Neill, the Dublin All-Ireland winner; Seamus Darby, who scored the Offaly goal that deprived Kerry of their five-in-a-row; and Johnny Hughes, the Galway footballer.
Damien Lawlor, who was MC, asked all four of us: if there was a transfer system, what player would we like to sign?
All three said Michael Murphy, while my answer was that Donegal had produced many outstanding footballers, but Michael was the best player I had ever seen playing for Donegal.
I loved watching him play, and it is only now that he has retired that many will come to appreciate his remarkable career and his outstanding input into Donegal football.
To Michael, his wife Annie and their young baby boy, I send my best wishes as they enter a new stage in their lives.
A special thank you to Michael for the wonderful memories that every Donegal fan will cherish forever.
Room for improvement
After a less than impressive display when beating Erne Gaels in their Ulster club quarter-final on Sunday, the Letterkenny side will be aware that a similar performance will not be good enough to see them advance to an Ulster club final.
This display was patchy, and a feature of their campaign in winning the Donegal championship was their inconsistency.
Donegal's record in the Ulster Club Championship is less than impressive, and the Donegal side, who have many talented players at their disposal, will be aware that to prevail in this campaign, a repeat of Sunday's performance will not be good enough.