Death of Kerry football legend Dr Seán Murphy
April 16, 2025
The late Dr Seán Murphy first from right watches as Mick O'Connell kicks another point at Croke Park during the announcement of the GAA Team of the Century. Other greats included are Sean O'Neill, Sean Purcell, Pat Spillane, Kevin Heffernan, Enda Colleran and Martin O'Connell
Kerry GAA is mourning the passing of Dr Seán Murphy at the age of 93.
Murphy was a legendary and revered figure in the Kingdom and beyond, being named at wing back on both the GAA Team of the Century and Team of the Millennium. A native of Camp, he played in five All-Ireland SFC finals in the 1950s and 1960s, winning three of them, including the 1959 decider against Galway which became known as the ‘Sean Murphy final’ such was his prominence. He was duly named as the Texaco Footballer of the Year, becoming the first player from Kerry to receive the award.
Murphy also garnered All-Ireland MFC and JFC medals playing alongside his brother Padraig, while another brother, Seamus, was a team-mate in the 1959 Sam Maguire Cup triumph.
"A gentleman on and off the pitch, Seán was known for his sportsmanship and humility. He never received a booking, and most would say he let his football do all the talking. Off the pitch, Dr Seán, initially trained as a teacher, but went back to his studies to become a doctor,” Kerry GAA said in a heartfelt tribute.
"He brought the same compassion, intellect, and humility to his patients as he had to his many teammates over the years. He remained a lifelong supporter of the game, always hopeful for Kerry's next renaissance, and optimistic about the evolving landscape of Gaelic football across Ireland.
"Dr Seán played for the love of the game, for his county, and for the GAA.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Dr Seán’s family, friends, clubmates, and all who were privileged to know him. Kerry has lost a hero, the GAA has lost a legend, and Ireland has lost a true gentleman."
Tweet
