Murphy makes triumphant return as Donegal impress again with comfortable win over Armagh

February 16, 2025

Michael Murphy of Donegal in action against Armagh ©INPHO/Andrew Paton

Michael Murphy made his long-awaited return to the playing field for Donegal as they soundly defeated 14-man Armagh by 0-21 to 1-10 in Ballybofey this afternoon.

The 2012 All-Ireland winning captain was introduced as a second-half substitute, marking his first competitive game for the Tir Chonaill men since their 2022 All-Ireland SFC qualifier second round defeat to the same opposition.

This time round the Ulster champions had been comfortable against their Orchard counterparts, running up a 0-12 to 1-3 lead by half-time and, after back-to-back two-pointers from Ben Crealey and Andrew Murnin for the visitors, they’d introduce Murphy to the fray in the 44th minute.

Marker Aidan Forker looked to get to grips with the big Glenswilly man straight away but was instead shown a straight red card for an apparent headbutt into his opponent's chest.

Murphy sailed over two points afterwards much to the delight of the home contingent, with a free from Patrick McBrearty two minutes later moving Jim McGuinness’s side six points in front.

Ciaran Thompson added another ahead of ‘keeper Ethan Rafferty landing a two-pointer for the All-Ireland champions, but McBrearty and Thompson wiped it out ahead of Odhran Doherty and Murphy (free) rounding off the home side’s tally as they cruised to their third consecutive win that sees them sitting top of Division 1 ahead of next weekend’s meeting with second placed Galway.


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