The death was announced today of young Sligo footballer Red Óg Murphy, aged 21.
Murphy was an immensely talented sportsman and one of the best young gaelic footballers in Ireland. He attended DCU and was selected on the 2022 Sigerson Cup team of the year as a midfielder. He helped inspire the team to the semifinal round of the competition.
He attended St Attracta's secondary school in Tubbercurry, and it's there he was recruited to play AFL. Murphy linked up with the North Melbourne club before coming back to Ireland towards the end of 2019 because he preferred gaelic football.
Murphy featured on the Sligo senior team in the 2020 and 2021 league and Championship.
Murphy's home club was Curry in south Sligo. Local councillour Martin Connolly told the Irish Mirror of the shock in the village about the news.
"Speechless is the word I'd put on it. People are walking around in a daze, they don't know what has happened.
The GPA tweeted a statement that read:
We remember Red Óg Murphy, a young man gone far too early.
To his family, loved ones, friends and teammates; our hearts are broken for you.
Players across Ireland have lost one of their own.
May he rest in peace
A number of moving tributes were posted on social media in his memory from those who had known him or seen him play.
Heartbreaking news on Red Òg. Anytime we Sligonians talk about future of Sligo GAA Red Òg is always mentioned. A short life where he achieved so much. Condolences and thoughts to his family and friends, Curry, Sligo and DCU GAA. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/MpL2ec2wLX
— Ronan Currid (@RealSligonian) April 1, 2022
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
