Murphy ready to finally restore Donegal pride

HE WAS in the terraces in Clones on a sodden July Sunday in 1998, when Derry and Donegal last squared off in a Ulster decider.

Michael Murphy was just another football-mad youngster back then but 13 years on he has morphed into the captain and attacking talisman of the Donegal footballers.

On Sunday they head to the Monaghan town once more, seeking to scratch a 19-year itch in the province.

“I was there and it wasn’t a pleasant experience. Joe Brolly broke our hearts that day. It’s been a long time waiting for both counties.

“The last 10-plus years it’s been Tyrone or Armagh. Both teams are going into it with a win at all costs mentality and whoever comes out on top is going to have an Ulster medal in their back pocket.”

A success on Sunday will see the Glenswilly man accept the silverware on behalf of his teammates. It is an unusual scenario for a player fresh out of U21 ranks to become the leader of a senior group.

Yet it’s not a role that perturbs him.

“To be captain is a great privilege and an honour. Leading them out on Ulster final day will be even more so. But I’ve said it all year, there’s been a number of great leaders throughout this team this year and we’ve seen that through these last three games. There’s a great camaraderie within the squad and everyone is looking forward to the test of Derry. They will be a massive proposition but as a footballer that’s where you want to be, come July, in an Ulster final.”

To be in a final after claiming three championship wins in succession is something that Murphy savours. When the team defeated Antrim in a grim battle in Ballybofey, it was Murphy’s first senior success in Ulster.

“It was always the big aim. Coming after the league we always took it one step at a time and this year was no different. But we were under pressure going into the Antrim game and thankfully we overcame it.

“We took flak for it but people said the acid test was always going to be against Tyrone. As it turns out, I think the acid test is going to come against Derry. They have performed well and they’re high on confidence.”

Central to Donegal’s resurgence this year has been the impact made by new manager Jim McGuinness.

Murphy was aware of the capabilities of the Glenties man having come under his influence at U21 level.

“Any time a new management comes in, there’s a great buzz. Jim’s come in and is an excellent communicator. He’s brought fresh ideas and everyone has responded well to those.

“He’s taken a number of players through from U21. I’m very happy to be working alongside him, as are the rest of the players. We’re just working hard and trying to bring the right attitude towards training and games.”