KILKENNY GOALKEEPER EOIN Murphy has announced his retirement from the inter-county game.
Murphy won four All-Ireland senior medals and four All-Star awards during a glittering career, establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the game.
He joined the Kilkenny panel in 2011 and has this morning brought the curtain down on a 16-season career with the senior squad.
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Murphy’s list of honours in Kilkenny colours includes:
“For more than half my life, I have had the honour of playing with Kilkenny through minor, U21 and then senior. I’ve been lucky to be part of some incredible teams and to play alongside some of the greatest players in the game.”
Incredible save! 😲👏
A stunning reflex stop from @KilkennyCLG's Eoin Murphy! https://t.co/QxH8iAJjuP
The goalkeeper wished new manager Henry Shefflin well for the 2027 season and paid tribute to all his former team-mates.
“I want to wish Henry and his backroom team the very best of luck in the coming years. I have no doubt they will get Kilkenny back to where we belong. The team has just gained a massive supporter.
Eoin Murphy celebrates with his mother Bridget after Kilkenny's 2023 semi-final win over Clare. Bryan Keane / INPHO
“It is hard to describe the bond you create with teammates when you spend a minimum of five days a week together, all trying to achieve the same goal. To every player I had the honour of playing alongside, the journey would not have been as enjoyable without you. Above all, I always wanted to be remembered as a good teammate.”
Praise
Kilkenny GAA Chairperson PJ Kenny praised Murphy for his contribution.
Eoin Murphy with the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2014. James Crombie / INPHO
“Eoin has been a wonderful ambassador for Kilkenny and for his club, Glenmore. His commitment to the black and amber has been exemplary and, throughout his career, he has been central to so many memorable days for Kilkenny hurling.
“Eoin has been an exceptional goalkeeper and one of the outstanding players of his generation. His shot-stopping ability was exceptional, but he brought so much more to the position and has had a significant influence on how the role has developed.
Eoin Murphy in All-Ireland final action against Limerick in 2023. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO
“Eoin can be immensely proud of all he has achieved in the black and amber. We thank him sincerely for everything he has given to Kilkenny hurling and wish Eoin and his family every happiness and success for the future.”
*****
The 42 View
- Sinead Farrell
Another link to Kilkenny’s last All-Ireland title has departed the dressing-room. Of the team that started their 2015 victory against Galway, only TJ Reid remains in the wake of Eoin Murphy’s exit.
Throughout a distinguished career, Murphy became one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. His consistency and brilliant distribution from puckouts were hallmarks of his game. But Murphy’s shot stopping is what he will be remembered for.
Eoin Murphy with one of the greatest saves you will ever see to deny Peter Duggan!
#GAANOW https://t.co/SS47zPDUk2
A recent example comes from the 2023 All-Ireland semi-final against Clare. Kilkenny were leading by three points in injury-time when a scramble for possession developed in front of the Kilkenny goal.
The ball popped up to Peter Duggan who unleashed a tremendous volley which Murphy miraculously deflected away with an acrobatic save. The 2016 All-Ireland final ended in defeat for Kilkenny, but Murphy showcased his impressive reflexes again in that game to deny Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher from close range.
Injuries impacted Murphy’s career in latter years, while the emergence of Aidan Tallis also created competition for the number one jersey.
With Henry Shefflin coming in as the new manager, and a major rebuilding job ahead for Kilkenny after a terrible season, this is probably the right time for Murphy to sign off. But the Glenmore native is leaving on his own terms after setting a high bar for 16 seasons.
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Kilkenny hurling great Eoin Murphy announces his inter-county retirement
KILKENNY GOALKEEPER EOIN Murphy has announced his retirement from the inter-county game.
Murphy won four All-Ireland senior medals and four All-Star awards during a glittering career, establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the game.
He joined the Kilkenny panel in 2011 and has this morning brought the curtain down on a 16-season career with the senior squad.
Murphy’s list of honours in Kilkenny colours includes:
Statement
“After 16 years, I’ve made the decision to retire from the Kilkenny senior hurling team,” wrote Murphy in his retirement statement.
“For more than half my life, I have had the honour of playing with Kilkenny through minor, U21 and then senior. I’ve been lucky to be part of some incredible teams and to play alongside some of the greatest players in the game.”
The goalkeeper wished new manager Henry Shefflin well for the 2027 season and paid tribute to all his former team-mates.
“I want to wish Henry and his backroom team the very best of luck in the coming years. I have no doubt they will get Kilkenny back to where we belong. The team has just gained a massive supporter.
“It is hard to describe the bond you create with teammates when you spend a minimum of five days a week together, all trying to achieve the same goal. To every player I had the honour of playing alongside, the journey would not have been as enjoyable without you. Above all, I always wanted to be remembered as a good teammate.”
Praise
Kilkenny GAA Chairperson PJ Kenny praised Murphy for his contribution.
“Eoin has been a wonderful ambassador for Kilkenny and for his club, Glenmore. His commitment to the black and amber has been exemplary and, throughout his career, he has been central to so many memorable days for Kilkenny hurling.
“Eoin has been an exceptional goalkeeper and one of the outstanding players of his generation. His shot-stopping ability was exceptional, but he brought so much more to the position and has had a significant influence on how the role has developed.
“Eoin can be immensely proud of all he has achieved in the black and amber. We thank him sincerely for everything he has given to Kilkenny hurling and wish Eoin and his family every happiness and success for the future.”
*****
The 42 View
- Sinead Farrell
Another link to Kilkenny’s last All-Ireland title has departed the dressing-room. Of the team that started their 2015 victory against Galway, only TJ Reid remains in the wake of Eoin Murphy’s exit.
Throughout a distinguished career, Murphy became one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. His consistency and brilliant distribution from puckouts were hallmarks of his game. But Murphy’s shot stopping is what he will be remembered for.
A recent example comes from the 2023 All-Ireland semi-final against Clare. Kilkenny were leading by three points in injury-time when a scramble for possession developed in front of the Kilkenny goal.
The ball popped up to Peter Duggan who unleashed a tremendous volley which Murphy miraculously deflected away with an acrobatic save. The 2016 All-Ireland final ended in defeat for Kilkenny, but Murphy showcased his impressive reflexes again in that game to deny Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher from close range.
Injuries impacted Murphy’s career in latter years, while the emergence of Aidan Tallis also created competition for the number one jersey.
With Henry Shefflin coming in as the new manager, and a major rebuilding job ahead for Kilkenny after a terrible season, this is probably the right time for Murphy to sign off. But the Glenmore native is leaving on his own terms after setting a high bar for 16 seasons.
GAA Hurling Kilkenny Number One