Murphy’s upbringing the perfect preparation

Eamonn Fitzmaurice was midway through his post-match media conference after Sunday’s defeat of Galway when Paul Murphy was ushered into the room under the Cusack Stand and into a seat beside his manager.

At first glance, it looked like a case of a minor star being shown the wrong door such is Murphy’s youthful look. It was a moment that served as another reminder of the changes being experienced inside the Kerry dressing room.

Murphy has enjoyed a seminal year. Involvement in January’s McGrath Cup led on to a league debut against Dublin, a championship debut and, on Sunday, a first championship run-out at HQ.