GAA:Nicholas Murphy, one of the longest-serving and most decorated players in Cork football history, has announced his retirement from inter-county football, a career spanning 16 seasons.
He made his senior debut in 1997 against Tipperary in the National League, followed by his maiden championship outing against Kerry in 1998. The highlight of his career was the 2010 All-Ireland Final victory over Down, but he also played in three other finals, 1999, 2007 and 2009. He holds the Cork record for National League medals, having won four Division One and one Division Two.
In his sixteen seasons on the Cork panel, he has captured six provincial titles across three decades; 1999, 2002, '06, '08, '09 and 2012. He has won county Intermediate hurling and football titles with his club Carrigaline, an All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling medal with Cork, as well as well as those six Munster Football titles and an All-Star award in 2006. He also captained the Munster side to inter-provincial victory in 2008.
Commenting on the announcement, Cork manager Conor Counihan said: “I have been involved with Nicholas from the beginning of his senior career when he joined the panel in 1997, and he has remained a constant ever since over the past 16 years.
“In that time, he was an outstanding player and a joy to work with. His commitment and attitude were second to none, and he led by example. He was one of Cork’s greatest ever midfield players and his list of achievements over three decades proved beyond doubt what a great player he was. We wish him well in his sporting and business career over the coming years."
Cork County Board also wishes to thank Nicholas for his outstanding contribution to Cork GAA, and to wish him well in the future.
Honours won by Nicholas Murphy:
1 All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship, 1 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (2010), 5 National Football Leagues (99, 09, 10, 11, & 12), 1 All-Star 2006, 6 Munster Senior Football Championships (1999, 2002, '06, '08, '09 & 2012), 1 County IHC 2008, 1 County IFC 2009, 1 Inter-provincial medal (2008 Captain).