Kerry GAA were very sad to learn of the passing of one of the greatest-ever players, Dr. Seán Murphy of Camp.
Born in the village of Camp on the Dingle Peninsula, Seán came from a remarkable footballing family. His father Jackie played for Kerry and was part of a lineage that produced multiple All-Ireland winners, including Dr. Seán and his brothers Seamus, Tomás and Padraig. From an early age, it seemed as though destiny would dictate that he would wear the green and gold with distinction — and he fulfilled this destiny in a remarkable manner.
Dr. Seán was already making a name for himself as a Kerry Minor in 1949, and after having lost an All Ireland final to Armagh, Dr. Seán was called into the Kerry Junior Team and they won the All Ireland in the same year. The following year, the Kerry Minors repeated the journey to the final and came away with an All Ireland title in 1950 overcoming Wexford. His debut with the Kerry Senior Footballers came after this and saw the start of a glittering career in the green and gold.
Over his time in the Kerry jersey, Dr. Seán played in 5 All-Ireland Finals and won three of them. After an exhibition of football, passion and athleticism in 1959, the All Ireland victory became known as “The Seán Murphy All Ireland”! This masterclass in Gaelic Football was recognised even further when he was awarded the Texaco Footballer of the Year in 1959 – another huge honour and in fact a trailblazer for so many more, as Dr. Seán was the first Kerry player to ever receive this accolade.
A talented and athletic wing-back , with honours and respect that travelled far beyond Kerry, Dr. Seán was an automatic selection on the GAA Team of the Century — a distinction that speaks volumes about his legacy. When it came to the end of the 90’s and there was talk of the GAA Football Team of the Millennium, it came as no surprise to many that Dr. Seán’s name was etched in the annals of history in his favoured right half back position. To be named among such towering figures as John Joe Reilly (Cavan), Seán Purcell (Galway), Dan O’ Keeffe , Joe Keohane, Mick O’ Connell, Pat Spillane and Mikey Sheehy is one of the highest honours in Gaelic football, and Dr. Seán was more than worthy of his place.
Another fascinating detail in the story of Dr. Seán, is that he has the unique honour of winning AII Ireland medals with 3 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. Quite the family history!
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 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.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
By Emma Sweeney Tue 15th Apr
