Down GAA is mourning the passing of John Murphy, an All-Ireland SFC winner with the Mourne County both as a player and selector.

Lining out at left half-forward, John was a key member of the 1968 Down team that captured the Sam Maguire Cup for the third time in history. Early goals from the Newry Shamrocks star and his attacking colleague Sean O’Neill proved crucial in their 2-12 to 1-13 triumph over Kerry in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park.

More than two decades passed before Down, or an Ulster team for that matter, lifted the Sam Maguire Cup again and it is no coincidence that when Down bridged a 23-year gap by defeating Meath in 1991, John was central to the success as part of Pete McGrath's backroom team. He also served as a selector in the county's last All-Ireland SFC win in 1994.

Down All Ireland SFC champions 1968. Front l-r: Brendan Sloan, Peter Rooney, Mickey Cole, Joe Lennon, Paddy Doherty, Colm McAlarney, John Purdy. Back l-r: Tom O'Hare, John Murphy, Ray McConville, Willie Doyle, Danny Kelly, Sean O'Neill, Jim Milligan, Dan McCartan.

Down GAA has paid tribute to the late John Murphy following his passing this morning: "Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn this morning of the death of John Murphy, member of our All-Ireland winning team of 1968 and member of our All-Ireland winning team management of 1991 and 1994.

"We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his wife Veronica, his daughters Niamh and Fiona, his sons Gavin and Karl, his grandchildren and the entire Murphy and Sands family circle.

"To the Gaels of Newry Shamrocks, we also extend our sympathy on the loss of a club stalwart.

"Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam."

Funeral arrangements for John Murphy:

Murphy (Newry) May 21st, 2020. Peacefully at the Southern Area Hospice surrounded by his loving family, John, dearly beloved husband of Veronica and much loved father of Niamh, Gavin, Karl and Fiona, cherished grandfather of Nathan, Jordan, Dylan, Sophia, Lucia, Will, Koen and Kadha. May he Rest In Peace.

House and funeral strictly private owing to the government regulations. John’s funeral cortege will arrive at Páirc Esler on Friday at 1.30pm for a short tribute to John’s dedication to Newry Shamrocks and Down GAA. Those neighbours and friends who wish to pay their respects to John are welcomed to attend as long as they adhere to the 2 metre social distancing rule.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing wife, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law Fiona and Karen, grandchildren, sisters Geraldine, Patricia and Phil, brothers Michael, Thomas and Kevin, nephews, nieces and the entire family circle.

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