DID YOU KNOW
On Sunday 27th September a little bit of Dublin history will happen, not exactly the same way as it did three years ago but not far off.
In 2017 Skerries/Harps had a win over St Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Ruadh in the Senior 2 Camogie Final. Both sides were managed by one of the legendary Murphy brother’s, Denis with Skerries and John with SOPER. One can only imagine the banter both before and after that match.
On Sunday in the National Sports centre, Abbotstown, two brothers will again stand at opposite sides of the pitch with their teams, a different brother will take on John and the St Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Ruadh ladies. This time it will be the 3rd Murphy brother Donal with the Cuala side.
Its doubtful that when the brothers were all growing up and playing for Crumlin they ever thought they would be in a battle against one another with their own teams. I can only imagine the fun at future family events regardless of who wins, If SOPER win, Donal will be slagged that he is the only one who hasn’t but if Cuala win John will be under pressure at the Christmas dinner table.
In recent Camogie semi finals, there were 4 Murphy cousins playing on pitches. Jean and Niamh for Skerries, Sinead with Cuala and Eimear with SOPER.
It’s in their genes, the girls are following in the steps of their Dad’s, and uncles.
Edel Murphy played on the last Dublin team to win a Senior Camogie All Ireland for Dublin back in 1984 and she also picked up player of the match on the occasion.
John Captained the Dublin Minor hurling team in 1983 where he played alongside Niall Quinn and went on to play Dublin Senior for a further 10 years from 1984 to
1994. John managed Dublin U.16 Camogie team in 2018
Last week Skerries/Harps streamed the semi final v Cuala via their facebook page, many complimented the commentators on the night. Denis Murphy was one of them.
Denis also played senior hurling for Dublin and in 1979 won a Leinster Club Championship with Crumlin
Denis who managed the Dublin senior Camogie team from 2009 to 2013 and Skerries Camogie team for many many years is a bit of a legend in Dublin senior Camogie circles. He is the one you will hear at every match, both home and away lending an encouraging word from the stands. A great peoples person and no surprise that he is Chief operations officer in T.U.Dublin
Donal worked in London from 1992 – 2000 and during this time won an All Ireland B Championship medal with London.
Donal’s son Liam won a Senior Club Championship medal last week with Cuala.
GAA really is family, and what a family