Murphy wins Merit Award
Ireland’s youngest county football captain, Michael Murphy, is used to receiving individual awards and this week he is in the spotlight again after leading Donegal to the NFL Div.2 title with victory over Laois.
The Glenswilly man is named as the April winner of the Quinn Insurance/UGAAWA Merit Award after his storming display at Croke Park when he blasted home a penalty goal and hit a number of telling points, as well as, laying on another goal for a colleague.
“I’m delighted with this Monthly Merit Award but, of course, it’s really a team award as I couldn’t have won it on my own – the same as my Man-of-the-Match award. Winning the league title was really special and all these honours gives us a great boost going into Sunday’s USFC game with Antrim, at Ballybofey.
“That is going to be a real tough match for us as Antrim is a great footballing side and they will have the players back who were missing when we beat them in the league some weeks ago. I just hope we can keep on the winning trail.”
Full-forward Murphy (21), who won our Young Achiever Award in 2009, was unavailable to collect his latest award, at a reception in Quinn’s Corner but he was represented by his dad Mick, as Quinn Insurance Commercial Area Manager Shane Wilson did the presentation honours.
“I’m very disappointed that I wasn’t able to attend,” stresses Michael, “but I am tied up with exams at DCU this week and I also have to travel up to Donegal for training. I treasure the award and I apologise for not being there.”
As his award, Murphy receives an engraved Belleek Living vase, an UGAAWA Sports Voucher, specially designed silver cuff links from Omeath jeweller Garrett Mallon and training gear from O’Neill’s International Sports. He will also receive two tickets and overnight accommodation for our annual banquet on November 18.
He got the April award ahead of St Colman’s College star Caolan Mooney who was an ace in the Newry pack in winning the Hogan Cup, and Gearoid McKiernan, who anchored midfield for Cavan as the Breffni boys won the Ulster U21 FC title.
Pictured is Mick Murphy, who received the April Merit Award on behalf of his son Michael, UGAAWA chairman JP Graham, Ulster Council PRO Oliver Galligan and Quinn Insurance Commercial Area Manager Shane Wilson. Picture by Oliver McVeigh.
