Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Eoin Brosnan | Paddy Bradley | Sean Cavanagh Aidan Carr | Kevin Cassidy | Ronan Clarke | Bryan Cullen | Colm Cooper
Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Kieran Donahy | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Leighton Glynn | Ciaran Hanratty
Stephen Kernan | James Masters | Andy McClean | Oisin McConville
Ciaran McDonald | Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Barry Monaghan
Finnian Moriarty | Adrian Morrissey | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Nicholas Murphy | Eamon O'Hara | Stephen O'Neill
Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé | Declan O'Sullivan | Colm Parkinson | Tomás Quinn
Donal Shine | Ciaran Whelan | Fergal Doherty | Conan Keaney
Darran O'Sullivan | Eoin Bradley | James Masters | John McEntee
Mark Vaughan | Paul Kerrigan
Carrigaline clubman, Nicholas Murphy, was the star performer for the Rebels in this year's football Championship. The 2006 All-Star showed all his class in the National League with some great performances in the middle of the field and he and his teammates were in confident mood going into the Championship.
It was business as usual in the Munster final with another Kerry v Cork match-up. In a tight game Kerry were the victors in a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-13. For Nicholas and his fellow Rebels it signalled the start of a mammoth All-Ireland campaign. Taking the scenic route of the qualifiers, they saw off the challenge of Louth and Sligo to set up a semi-final showdown with an ever-improving Meath side. It was one of Cork’s greatest displays ever at Croker as they ran out winners by 10 points and it looked like they had their name on the McCarthy Cup.
But it was disappointment for Cork on All-Ireland final day, when an unstoppable Kerry stormed to their 35th title in what was a one-sided final, putting paid to their dream of taking Sam Maguire back to Leeside for another year at least.
Cork had a great run in this year’s Championship, only losing out to Kerry in the final. What was the highlight of the year for you?
Beating Meath in the semi-final to get back to our first final since 1999. It was a special day as they team really clicked.
It’s a great honour to play for Cork, what do you like most about it?
Meeting the other lads on the panel and testing yourself against the best.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the National Football League title in 1999 and my first Munster title against Kerry in the same year.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
It has to be Kerry.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever faced?
Limerick’s John Quane.
Which player do you admire the most?
Graham Canty, Bantry Blues and Cork star.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
I was a big Maradona fan.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
My club is Carrigaline and our biggest rivals are probably Tracton and Shamrocks.
Do you play any other sports?
Hurling and Golf.
You are a fantastic fielder of the ball, what specific training do you do for that skill?
I get someone to keep kicking the ball to me in the air. I do it on my own for a while and then I compete against someone. It’s good fun.
What’s the most important skill in the game, in your opinion?
Kicking the ball accurately. It sounds obvious but if you don’t kick the ball over the bar you won't win too many games!
What are your hopes for the future?
To win an All-Ireland Football medal with Cork and a County title with my club Carrigaline.
What advice would you give to young players?
You can never practise enough and keep believing you can achieve your goals
Nicholas Murphy
Age: 29
Debut: 1998 v Kerry
Honours:
1 National Football League title,
3 Munster Senior titles,
1 All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling title,
1 Railway Cup title,
1 All-Star Award.
Club: Carrigaline
Fav Food: Steak
Fav Book: Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parado
Fav Band: Johnny Cash & U2
Fav Movie: Happy Gilmore
Fav TV show: Prison Break
Hobbies: Golf
Occupation: Sales Manager for National Flooring Ltd.
CúlFACT:
We all know that Nicholas Murphy is a star on the Cork football team but did you know that his Granduncles played hurling for Limerick in the past.
© December 2007 |
