Here’s what social media had to say after the shocking news that Michael Murphy has decided to retire from inter-county football.
The Glenswilly man has been a Donegal legend in the past decade and a half for the senior team since he made his senior debut in 2007.
Murphy has since won five Ulster titles with Donegal and became only the second person to captain the Donegal senior team to winning the Sam Maguire in 2012.
Murphy has also received three All-Star Awards but last night chose to confirm he will no longer play for the Donegal county team.
And there was plenty of fans, pundits and players shocked by the announcement that was made last night.
And many took to Twitter to share their favourite moments of ‘Murphy magic’.
But the true greatness of Murphy’s playing career is epitomised by the tributes pouring in from fans and players of opposition counties who have lost against Murphy but can still appreciate what he did at the top level.
“People say to me he’s the best player playing for Donegal ever. I say if you cut him in half, he would be number one and two. He’s so far ahead, it’s just unbelievable.”
Brendan Devenney on Michael Murphy a few years back. Not heard anyone put it better before or since. Legend pic.twitter.com/xeSMWUVX1t
Not many retirements stop you in your track but Michael Murphy is definitely one one of them.
I remember going to a league game at Crokes and just watching him for 70 mins.
No exaggeration that he’ll go down as one of the greats, no matter what Colm O’Rourke tries to tell you. pic.twitter.com/h1ky2knrBY
— Daniel Hussey (@DanielHussey2) November 16, 2022
— Cahair O’Kane (@CahairOKane1) November 16, 2022
And the legendary Bernard Brogan paid tribute to Murphy, two men that between them had seven All-Stars.
Michael Murphy will go down as a true GAA great! He was a joy to watch and an absolute gentleman, best of luck to him with next chapter 👊 pic.twitter.com/MRB038a8ig
— Bernard Brogan (@bernardbrogan) November 16, 2022
There were plenty of people sharing memories of his greatest scores.
Great angle of Michael Murphy’s famous goal in the 2012 All-Ireland final pic.twitter.com/pvAi88wEe3
— Fintan O’Toole (@fotoole13) November 16, 2022
Michael Murphy, the deftest of touches for such a colossus of a footballer, capable of the subtle and the devastating all at once – perfect bit of Murphy magic here, dummying Rory O’Carroll for DCU before scoring – what a loss to that Donegal dressing room pic.twitter.com/e01qgDRzPh
— Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) November 16, 2022
I’ll be spending my evening watching clips of Michael Murphy score the exact same goal over and over again pic.twitter.com/HjzW0CrDJ8
— Maurice Brosnan (@m_brosnan) November 16, 2022
And everything else he’s done for the county.
Michael Murphy retiring is such a blow for football.
Can fetch, run, score, turn inside, defend, hit hard, rip the net.
I remember the night Glenswilly played Ballinderry and I only realised how fast he was too and was so depressed a Donegal man could be that good!
What a man pic.twitter.com/L7CTmHGV9h
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) November 16, 2022
The game will be remembered for Cass’s wonder point. But Michael Murphy stopped it from going over the sideline – by millimeters. My standout moment from a career of nothing but standout moments. pic.twitter.com/mXtg8rSWXj
— GAA League Tables (@GAALeagueTables) November 16, 2022
The day we all dreaded in Donegal. Heart broken, what a man, all the best to Michael the Gent.
— Edel Laverty (@LavertyEdel) November 16, 2022
A sad day…but happy that even from 3,000 miles away, I was able to watch so many of his stellar performances on TV…and once, in person at Croke Park…the best footballer from Tir Conaill, ever…
— Patrick (@PatrickMcNelis8) November 16, 2022
News that no Donegal GAA fan ever wanted to learn, but, alas, all good things come to an end someday.
The greatest ever player to pull on the county jersey has announced his retirement.
What a legend. Michael Murphy – the goat 👊 pic.twitter.com/Ku5OsxyArw
— Jack Murray (@jackm440) November 16, 2022
Thanks for the trophies and memories, Michael.
