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Michael Murphy. Laszlo Geczo
From The 42CALLING IT A DAY
Donegal great Michael Murphy retires from inter-county football
The 37-year-old won an All-Ireland title in 2012 and is a four-time All-Star.
LAST UPDATE | 13 mins ago
DONEGAL FOOTBAL GREAT Michael Murphy has retired from the inter-county game.
Widely recognised as Donegal’s greatest ever footballer, Murphy (37) won an All-Ireland senior medal as captain in 2012. He won six Ulster titles and is a four-time All-Star.
According to a statement released on Thursday evening by Donegal GAA, Murphy told the county’s manager Jim McGuinness of his intentions in recent weeks, once the club championship had concluded.
Murphy captained the county for most of his career having made his senior debut in 2007.
He first retired from the inter-county game in November 2022, before two years later in November 2024, he came out of retirement to rejoin the Donegal squad.
Murphy won his sixth Ulster senior medal in 2025, adding to earlier successes in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2019. The Glenswilly man’s pursuit of a second Sam Maguire triumph was foiled by Kerry in the 2025 decider, just as the Kingdom had denied Donegal in 2014.
Donegal’s victory in the 2012 final over Mayo stands as Murphy’s greatest inter-county achievement, while his individual brilliance saw him win four All-Star awards (2012, 2014, 2019 and 2025).
Donegal county board chairperson Mary Coughlan paid tribute to Murphy in a statement on Thursday evening.
“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.”
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Written by Ronan Early and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.
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