John Murphy (1948 – 21 May 2020) was an Irish Gaelic footballer, manager, coach and selector. His career included All-Ireland Championship victories as a player and later as a coach and selector with the Down senior football team.
Playing career
From the Newry Shamrocks club, Murphy won a MacRory Cup medal with Abbey CBS in 1964, before featuring for the Down minor team at midfield in their All-Ireland final loss to Mayo in 1966. Two years later, as a forward on the Down senior team, Murphy scored a goal in the team's 1968 All-Ireland final victory over Kerry. The team had claimed the 1967-68 National League title earlier in the season. As a player, Murphy also won two Railway Cup medals with Ulster and two Ulster Championship titles.
Coaching career
Alongside Pete McGrath, Murphy was part of the management team that saw Down win All-Ireland Championships in 1991 and 1994. Later he helped guide Mayobridge to three consecutive county senior championships from 2004 to 2006.
Death
Murphy died on 21 May 2020.
Honours Player
Abbey CBS MacRory Cup (1): 1964
Down All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (1): 1968 Ulster Senior Football Championship (1): 1968, 1971 National Football League (1): 1967-68 Ulster Minor Football Championship (1): 1966
Ulster Railway Cup (2): 1970, 1971
Coach
Mayobridge Down Senior Football Championship (3): 2004, 2005, 2006
Down All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (2): 1991, 1994 Ulster Senior Football Championship (1): 1991, 1994
References