EIGHT POINTS FROM Michael Murphy in Newry helped Donegal to victory over Down in Newry on Saturday night.
The Donegal skipper was in superb form from placed balls as the side managed by Rory Gallagher secured a 3-15 to 0-7 victory to start the Allianz League Division One with a bang.
Photo caption: Charlie Collins of Donegal Sport Hub with Donegal captain Michael Murphy
That was enough for Murphy to pip Paddy Andrews from Dublin and Derry’s Emmet Bradley to the inaugural gaa.ie team of the week.
GAA.ie said:
The Glenswilly titan was instrumental for Donegal in their destruction of Down in Newry at the weekend, and he narrowly defeated Paddy Andrews (Dublin) and Emmet Bradley (Derry) in an exceptionally tight opening vote of the year (see results below), which took place on the GAA’s official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
GAA.ie FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK RESULTS
1. Michael Murphy (Donegal) – 2,096 votes (35%)
2. Paddy Andrews (Dublin) – 2,012 votes (33%)
3. Emmet Bradley (Derry) – 1,927 votes (32%)Michael Murphy may have a quiet public persona, but Jim McGuinness’ recent autobiography lifted the lid on his incredible leadership abilities. What has always been apparent, however, is his unstinting greatness on the field of play.
He was at it again in the win over Down on Saturday night, kicking eight points in Newry. Although seven came from placed balls, Murphy’s ability to score frees from just about anywhere inside the 45 – and sometimes beyond – should never be discounted.
His first half sideline ball, which sailed right over the black spot, was a thing of real beauty, something only truly special players can conceive not to mind execute. He took 35 per cent of the vote.
Tags:#GAA news: @officialdonegal‘s @murphm95 claims first 2016 GAA.ie Player of the Week award » https://t.co/DZPuBXdrMG pic.twitter.com/YOjFGlFkA5
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 2, 2016
