Michael Murphy hailed as 'incredible legend' after All-Ireland final defeat
After a number of seasons away from the intercounty scene, Murphy returned at the beginning of the season to help Jim McGuinness try and win a second Celtic Cross.
Murphy has been immense all year and was excellent again on Sunday, contributing four points in a losing cause as Kerry ran out comfortable winners at Croke Park.
After the final whistle blew, a disconsolate Murphy slumped to the turf. Gavin White walked the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Sam Maguire Cup, and judging by the look on 35-year-old Murphy's face, it was as if he feared his last chance at winning Sam for a second time had slipped away.
There was perhaps one moment of slight solace for Murphy on Sunday however and that was when the 82,000 fans at Croke Park paid a special tribute to the legendary full-forward.
Before handing over the Sam Maguire Cup to Kerry skipper White, GAA President Jarlath Burns reserved special words for Murphy, whom he worked with as part of the Football Rules Committee.
"To Donegal, I know you will be disappointed, you have won two Ulster titles in a row," began Burns.
"And I think it would be remiss of me if I didn't mention a man who played his 89th Championship match today. And that is Michael Murphy.
"He owes his county nothing. He is the best player ever to come from your county and we should all be proud to have watched that man play.
"What an incredible legend he has been for Donegal."
Murphy made his debut for Donegal in 2007 and retired 15 years later in 2022. During that time, he won multiple Ulster titles and the 2012 All-Ireland, scoring a wondergoal against Mayo in the final.
He returned for the 2025 season and won another Ulster title in the green and yellow of Donegal.
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