“An end of an era”.
That’s how one south Kilkenny councillor has described this morning’s news that Eoin Murphy’s to retire from inter-county hurling.
The Glenmore goalie issued the following statement after more than a decade and a half playing for Kilkenny;
“Dreamt it – Lived it – Loved it!
After 16 years, I’ve made the decision to retire from the Kilkenny senior hurling team. For more than half my life, I have had the honour of playing with Kilkenny through minor, U21 and then senior. I’ve been lucky to be part of some incredible teams and to play alongside some of the greatest players in the game.
I want to wish Henry and his backroom team the very best of luck in the coming years. I have no doubt they will get Kilkenny back to where we belong. The team has just gained a massive supporter.
To all the coaches, selectors, backroom teams, medical staff, and kit men, I cannot thank you enough for the endless hours you spent beside us, allowing us to perform on the biggest days of all. Your time and dedication to our cause were never taken for granted.
A special mention to my great friend and mentor Brother Damien Brennan (RIP). Your guidance allowed me to perform at levels I did not believe were possible. I am now a better person because of you.
It is hard to describe the bond you create with teammates when you spend a minimum of five days a week together, all trying to achieve the same goal. To every player I had the honour of playing alongside, the journey would not have been as enjoyable without you. Above all, I always wanted to be remembered as a good teammate.
To my parents, Paddy, and Bridget – I hope all those endless days and nights travelling the country were worth it in the end. Your support on the hardest days after defeats was what I appreciated more than anything; you always had my back. Of all my achievements and accolades, the one I am most proud of is representing you both on the same field with my brothers Alan and Shane. I can only imagine the immense sense of pride you felt, having not one but three sons playing for Kilkenny on the same field.
My stubbornness and toughness definitely come from being thrown around our garden pitch at home in Glenmore, playing against my siblings. You were always there through the good and the bad times. Thank you so much for all your coaching, guidance, and beatings!
To my club Glenmore – I am so proud to have represented our small parish on a national and international stage. To every coach, mentor, teammate, and member, I cannot thank you enough for your support. I hope I made you proud and represented our club with distinction.
Finally, to my wife Gráinne – words will never describe how grateful I am to have you by my side. Your immense support and drive allowed me to be the best version of myself. We’ve had some unbelievable days, and with our daughter, Bríd, the best is yet to come.
Sin é – the pleasure was all mine.
Up the Cats!”
The Kilkenny GAA County Board had this to say:
“Eoin joined the Kilkenny senior panel in 2011 and went on to represent the county for 16 seasons, establishing himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in the game.
His inter-county journey began at minor level, where he was part of the Kilkenny team that captured Leinster and All-Ireland honours in 2008. A Leinster U21 title followed in 2009 before Eoin progressed to the senior ranks.
Having initially competed for the Kilkenny number one jersey, Eoin made his senior championship debut against Offaly in 2013 before establishing himself between the posts. He played a central role in Kilkenny’s back-to-back All-Ireland successes in 2014 and 2015 and remained a key figure for the county in the years that followed.
Over the course of his senior career, Eoin won four All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship medals, ten Leinster titles and five National Hurling League titles.
Renowned for his shot-stopping, athleticism and composure, Eoin produced many memorable performances for Kilkenny. His standing within the game was recognised with four All-Star awards, in 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2023.
Kilkenny GAA Chairperson PJ Kenny paid tribute to Eoin:
“On behalf of Kilkenny County Board and everyone associated with Kilkenny hurling, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Eoin for his tremendous service to Kilkenny over so many years.
Eoin has been a wonderful ambassador for Kilkenny and for his club, Glenmore. His commitment to the black and amber has been exemplary and, throughout his career, he has been central to so many memorable days for Kilkenny hurling.
Eoin has been an exceptional goalkeeper and one of the outstanding players of his generation. His shot-stopping ability was exceptional, but he brought so much more to the position and has had a significant influence on how the role has developed.
To perform at the level Eoin has, year after year, takes enormous dedication. He leaves inter-county hurling with a remarkable record of achievement and with the respect and gratitude of everyone associated with Kilkenny GAA.
Eoin can be immensely proud of all he has achieved in the black and amber. We thank him sincerely for everything he has given to Kilkenny hurling and wish Eoin and his family every happiness and success for the future.”
Honours:
4 All-Ireland SHC (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015)
10 Leinster SHC (2011, 2014-2016, 2020-2025)
5 NHL (2012-2014, 2018, 2021)
3 Walsh Cups (2012, 2014, 2017)
1 All-Ireland IHC (2010)
2 Leinster IHC (2010, 2011)
1 Leinster U21 HC (2009)
1 All-Ireland MHC (2008)
1 Leinster MHC (2008)
1 Fitzgibbon Cup (2014)
2 All-Ireland Vocational SFC (2008, 2009)
1 All-Ireland Club JHC (2015)
1 Leinster Club JHC (2015)
1 Kilkenny SFC (2009)
1 Kilkenny IHC (2021)
1 Kilkenny JHC (2015)
4 All Stars (2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)
2 Fitzgibbon Cup All Stars (2013, 2014)”
While Cllr Fidelis Doherty’s based in Glenmore and has been outlining Murphy’s contribution on and off the field;
