Donegal great Murphy retires from inter-county football

Michael Murphy has retired from inter-county Gaelic football for the second time, ending a Donegal career that began in 2007. The former captain led the county to its 2012 All-Ireland title, and his return in 2024 helped Donegal to further silverware and an All-Ireland final.

The 37-year-old scored 1-4 in the 2012 final against Mayo, won six Ulster titles and collected four All Stars. In 2025 he helped Donegal retain the Anglo-Celt Cup and reach the final, where they lost to Kerry; his final game came in their June 2026 All-Ireland exit to Dublin. His departure adds to manager Jim McGuinness’s challenges, with defender Finnbarr Roarty also leaving for Australian rules football.