'Numb' Tributes follow sudden death of ‘charismatic’ Sligo GAA star Red Óg Murphy (21)

Funeral arrangements for Sligo GAA football star Red Óg Murphy, who died suddenly at the end of last week, will be made once a post mortem examination into his sudden death has been completed, Parish Priest, Fr Leo Henry said yesterday.

The close-knit community of south Sligo is “devastated” following the 21-year-old’s passing and locals are supporting his heartbroken family this weekend.

They will now “quietly mourn together”, said Fr Henry, who paid tribute to Mr Murphy, who has been described as one of the brightest football prospects in the country.

“In effect, we are one big faith family. As such, our community is numb with grief at the early passing from this life of Red Óg.

“Apart from being a talented athlete and a gifted Gaelic footballer and Curry clubman, Red Óg had a special charisma, both on and off the Gaelic football field.”

He described the trainee primary school teacher in DCU as a “role model for so many”.

“As a community, as one big family, we will quietly mourn together Red Óg’s passing from this life and we will thank God for the gift of Red Óg’s life and for all the joy he brought into the lives of his parents, his brothers and his extended family,” he said.

Mr Murphy had spent eight months with the Australian Rules side North Melbourne in 2019 before returning home to play GAA.

He opted out of the Sligo fold for 2022 but starred with DCU in the Sigerson Cup.

Barry Gallagher, chairman of Curry GAA club, said yesterday that Mr Murphy’s death was a “terrible tragedy” for his family, the club and the community.

“We have been in contact with his parents and they have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this difficult time.”

He said “offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated” by the family.

“The clubhouse is open to all, to support them and to offer them advice and guidance. We would ask you to respect our privacy at this time.”

A minute’s silence took place in Ballybofey yesterday afternoon before Donegal took on Sligo in the U17 clash.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Sligo GAA said the club was “deeply shocked at the untimely death” and said Mr Murphy was “first and foremost a son and a brother."

“Our first thoughts are with his family and then his teammates, friends and club mates.”