Down GAA is in mourning after the passing of former All-Ireland winning player and coach John Murphy this morning.
The Newry Shamrocks clubman scored a goal in the county's 1968 triumph over Kerry, and enjoyed an illustrious playing career with the Mourne men.
As well as winning two Ulster titles and two Railway Cup medals on the pitch, Murphy was part of the county's management team that won All-Ireland's in 1991 and 1994.
“Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the entire GAA community of Down are saddened to learn today of the death of one of our favourite sons, John Murphy,” a Down GAA statement read.
“He was an All-Ireland winner as a player in 1968 and then Peter McGraths right hand man in the management team during the successes of 1991 and ’94.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to John’s wife Veronica, his daughters Niamh and Fiona, sons Gavin and Karl, his grandchildren and the entire Murphy and Sands family circles. We also extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the Gaels of Newry Shamrocks who have lost an outstanding servant of their club.
“Today the GAA world in Down is a poorer place with the loss of a man who gave outstanding service and commitment to his county on and off the field of play across five decades."
It added: “We in Down GAA have been privileged that John Murphy was part of our story. He was a man of integrity and a man of honor; someone who lived the dream of playing for his county, winning an All-Ireland, scoring that famous goal and then of helping to shape two Down teams to win All Irelands."
Murphy's funeral cortege will arrive at Páirc Esler tomorrow at 1.30pm for a short tribute to his dedication to Newry Shamrocks and Down GAA.
Members of the public who wish to pay their respects are welcome to attend as long as they adhere to social distancing advice.
