Michael Murphy Returns for 2025

[Dreadnought]

Folks, Murphy is back. Some job, help to shape the new rules, and then come back to take advantage of them!

Only messing. He'd be still some man for staying in the 3 up top and kicking 2 pointers. Great call here

[Captain Obvious]

Interesting stuff. In other counties a good few defenders have retired or gone traveling probably thinking the new rules doesn't suit them.  More of a forwards game now and with Jim in his ear a 35 year old Murphy has decided to come back.

[Spiderlegs]

He was already slowing up when he retired, now he's 2 years older and hasn't had elite level training in that time. I think he'll struggle.

Maybe the 3 vs 3 rule will suit him, who knows.

I think Donegal are serious contenders either way.

[J70]

Wasn't expecting THAT news!

By most accounts, he had an excellent club championship, but as Spiderlegs says, surely he'll have a tonne of work to do to get back into intercounty shape, especially at 35! Maybe Paul Conroy's exploits have tempted him in addition to the new rules.

Obviously a fabulous option for us to have, especially when McBrearty tires or gets a knock. And another expert long range shooter as well alongside the likes of Thompson, Langan etc.

[Ethan Tremblay]

I would say Jim is smart enough to know not to be flogging him. 

3v3 rule would suit him down to the ground lumping the ball into a presumably 1v1 contest.  Donegal seemed to get a big bounce of Jim coming back to which would have swayed him, they seem to be contenders again. 

Wonder how long he will keep at it given his age.  I would say 2years max, maybe even 1 if they win Sam. 

[Cunny Funt]

Wasn't expecting THAT news!

By most accounts, he had an excellent club championship, but as Spiderlegs says, surely he'll have a tonne of work to do to get back into intercounty shape, especially at 35! Maybe Paul Conroy's exploits have tempted him in addition to the new rules.

Obviously a fabulous option for us to have, especially when McBrearty tires or gets a knock. And another expert long range shooter as well alongside the likes of Thompson, Langan etc.

I'd think that played a big part in his return and seeing as he was one of those involved in bringing in the new rules he would know better than most that they'll suit him.

[ClubScene13]

He was already slowing up when he retired, now he's 2 years older and hasn't had elite level training in that time. I think he'll struggle.

Maybe the 3 vs 3 rule will suit him, who knows.

I think Donegal are serious contenders either way.

I seem to recall thinking this at the time as well, though that could be down to a number of factors, disillusionment, played out of position, Donegal not firing on all cylinders. He did seem a bit off the pace towards the end but its definitely an interesting addition. A positive one too for leadership and driving standards if nothing else

[the goal was on]

So the rumours that Jim has the boys back training since oct must be true then as well !

[Wildweasel74]

He had slowed down badly in 2022, no way Donegal start him, will give them a lift, but I honestly think his best days long behind him.

[Rossfan]

He'll be some 55th minute sub to have next June and July when the stakes rise.

[Blowitupref]

He'll be some 55th minute sub to have next June and July when the stakes rise.

And won't need to guess Donegal tactics if they find themselves a couple of points behind.

[AustinPowers]

You could  argue Murphy would be an even more  effective sub yo bring  on than Stefan Campbell

Games  tend to be decided in the last 10-15 minutes , so  imagine the lift  him coming on would bring to the  team and fans

[Armagh18]

You could  argue Murphy would be an even more  effective sub yo bring  on than Stefan Campbell

Games  tend to be decided in the last 10-15 minutes , so  imagine the lift  him coming on would bring to the  team and fans

He'll be a help, brings something different to Soupy though who has legs. Be some man to kick long range points and the 3v3 will suit him.

[lurganblue]

You could  argue Murphy would be an even more  effective sub yo bring  on than Stefan Campbell

Games  tend to be decided in the last 10-15 minutes , so  imagine the lift  him coming on would bring to the  team and fans

If Murphy was to have the sub impact of 2024 Soup and Donegal win the All Ireland, you better believe he would get an all star nomination 

In all seriousness though, I'm surprised by this. Maybe he's going particularly well for the club and feels he has something to offer. I actually thought that he had hung on for a year too long before he announced his retirement so it will be interesting to see how he gets on in 2025. He will be a loss to the punditry for the year. 

[NotedObserver]

As long as he doesnt end being a sweeper he could be very effective