Michael Murphy retired from intercounty football yesterday. It got us remembering one of the truly great moments of his career: a bear hug with his father after Glenswilly won the Donegal senior championship in 2016. This article was written by Conal Cahill in 2016
When Murphy's father Mick moved to Donegal from Mayo as part of his job as a Garda and got involved in Glenswilly GAC, he probably never dreamed that his son would become an All-Ireland winning captain. But perhaps he dreamed of moments like this.
Murphy has spoken in the past of his father's influence in his career, taking charge of teams Murphy played in from underage all the way up to senior level. In 2007 (when Murphy was 18) the Donegal title proved a step too far for Glenswilly, but in 2011 they broke their duck before triumphing again in 2013.
At the weekend Glenswilly claimed their third title, defeating Kilcar by 1-10 to 0-12 (with Michael Murphy scoring a crucial goal). And judging by Murphy's reaction, winning those previous two titles did nothing to diminish the ecstatic delight felt by the Glenswilly players and management. There is a lovely moment between Murphy and his father (according to Kieran Cunningham of the 'Irish Daily Star') at around 30 seconds in.
One might have worried for Mick Sr's safety when his 6 ft 2, 14 stone son threw himself at him in a manner not unfamiliar to many of the country's top fullbacks - but in fairness to him, he comes out hugging.
Mick Jr didn't lick it off the ground, as they say.
