Now widely regarded as Donegal's greatest player, Murphy broke on to the senior county panel as an all-action teenager in 2007.

The esteem in which he was held, even in those early years, within the squad was reflected by McGuinness handing him the captaincy at the age of 21.

Led by the Murphy-McGuinness twin axis, Donegal were hauled out of the doldrums in 2011 when they claimed the Division Two title, with Murphy hitting 1-3 in the final win over Laois.

Later that year, he led his county to their first Ulster title in 19 years and spearheaded a successful defence 12 months later.

But his greatest moment arrived three minutes into the 2012 All-Ireland final against Mayo.

Rising high to claim Karl Lacey's long kickpass, he shook off Kevin Keane and rifled a venomous right-footed shot high into the net for one of the great championship goals - one that encapsulated Murphy's power and precision.

Aged 23, Murphy became a county legend that day, becoming just the second man after Anthony Molloy to captain Donegal to the ultimate prize. He scored 1-3 but the goal remains etched in the minds of anyone who watched it.

Murphy soldiered on with Donegal for another 10 years - collecting another three Ulster titles - before announcing his retirement in November 2022, later telling The GAA Social that fear of not having the energy to reach his usual lofty standards was a factor in his decision.

It was news that rocked Donegal, but at 33, it always felt as though Murphy could return. McGuinness' second coming in 2023 only fuelled the rumour mill.

While Murphy extended his stint as a leading analyst and co-commentator for the BBC in 2024, Donegal fans' dreams came true when he reversed his retirement before the 2025 season.

Lean, sharp and now armed with a two-point boot - thanks to the new rules he helped usher in as part of Jim Gavin's Football Review Committee - Murphy delivered another Ulster title for McGuinness.

Murphy was named man of the match on Ulster final day, but heartache followed in the All-Ireland final. Murphy scored eight points but was upstaged by another talismanic forward in David Clifford, who kicked 0-9 to drive Kerry over the line.

While a second Sam Maguire ultimately eluded Murphy, he remained clutch under pressure until the end, nailing a two-pointer on his 200th appearance to force extra-time against Dublin, although his part in the ensuing brawl earned him a black card.

It proved a bitter end to Murphy's storied Tir Chonaill career, but Donegal fans will remember him as the complete forward and fearless leader responsible for some of the county's greatest days.