John Murphy (Gaelic footballer)


John Murphy was an Irish Gaelic footballer who played for Derry. He was part of the first Derry side to win the National Football League.
Murphy played club football for Seán O'Leary's and won the Derry Senior Football Championship with the club.

Personal life

Murphy was originally from Newbridge. He was principal of Saint Pius X College in Magherafelt. He was married with four children. He was a member of Saint Vincent de Paul for over 50 years, and president of the society in Maghera for many years. He died in August 2009 aged 83 and was buried in St. Patrick's Church at Glen, Maghera.

Playing career

Club

Murphy played club football for Newbridge. He won Derry Championship medals with the club.

Inter-county

Murphy was right half back when Derry won the county's first National Football League title in 1947, defeating Clare in the final at Croke Park. It was also the county's first ever national title.

Province

Murphy played for Ulster in 1950. Having played in the Railway Cup semi-final, he missed the final through injury. Ulster won the final, but Murphy never received a winners' medal. He was finally presented his medal 58 years later in 2008, by Ulster Council President Tom Daly at a ceremony.

Honours

Club