Kerry great Dr Seán Murphy passes away

The Camp native - a member of the GAA team of the century and the team of the millennium - was an integral part of the Kerry senior team throughout the 1950s and early 1960s.

Tue, 15 Apr, 2025 - 11:52

Shane Donovan

All-Ireland-winning Kerry great Dr Seán Murphy has passed away at the age of 93.

The Camp native - a member of the GAA team of the century and the team of the millennium - was an integral part of the Kerry senior team throughout the 1950s and early 1960s.

Murphy made a name for himself as a Kerry minor in 1949, and after an All-Ireland loss to Armagh, he was called into the Kerry junior panel and won an All-Ireland that year

Murphy and the Kerry minors went one better to win the All-Ireland title in 1950, overcoming Wexford.

His debut with the Kerry seniors came after this and saw the start of a glittering career in the green and gold.

Over his time in the Kerry jersey, wing-back Murphy played in five All-Ireland finals, winning three. His 1959 All-Ireland final masterclass was recognised when he was crowned the footballer of the year in 1959, becoming the first Kerry player to ever receive the accolade.

He has the unique honour of winning All-Ireland medals with three different brothers: A Junior All-Ireland with Padraig in 1949, a minor All-Ireland with Tomás in 1950, and a senior All-Ireland with Seamus in 1959.

A Kerry GAA statement read: "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.

"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."