There’s shock and disbelief in south Sligo following news of the death of popular Sligo gaelic footballer Red Óg Murphy.
It’s understood Murphy was found unresponsive at his campus accommodation at Dublin City University in the north of the city on Friday morning.
The 21-year-old native of Curry was studying to be a teacher at DCU.
His family were being comforted by the University’s counselling services.
Murphy was widely regarded as one of the county’s most exciting and talented gaelic footballers.
A past pupil of St Attracta’s Community School, his football prowess there and and at underage level for Sligo attracted the attention of Australian Rules team North Melbourne in 2018.
Murphy joined them on a rookie contract and performed well – but the lure of home and gaelic football proved too great, and he returned to Ireland to continue his studies and GAA career.
He had taken a year out from the Sligo senior football panel this year, preferring instead to concentrate on club football with Curry and Sigerson Cup football with DCU.
His performances in that competition earned him a place on the Sigerson Team of the Year, announced just last week.
