Inside Michael Murphy's family life beyond GAA with wife Annie including dramatic Donegal return and game-changing job

He helped shape gaelic football during his brief retirement

JOB TO BE DON Inside Michael Murphy’s family life beyond GAA with wife Annie including dramatic Donegal return and game-changing job

MICHAEL MURPHY can toast his sensational return to Donegal by leading Jim McGuinness' men to the All-Ireland title.

Murphy, who turns 36 next month, will look to spearhead his county when they face Kerry at Croke Park on Sunday.

6 Michael Murphy and Donegal face Kerry in the All-Ireland final Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

6 Michael Murphy came out of retirement in 2024, having dipped his toes into punditry with BBC Credit: Instagram/murphm95

6 His wife's name is Annie Credit: Instagram/murphm95

6 They got engaged in 2021 Credit: Instagram/murphm95

He was part of the team that last won Sam Maguire in 2012, when they were also managed by McGuinness.

A lot has changed since then, however, with gaelic football operating under new rules that Murphy himself helped to forge.

Meanwhile, he will be cheered on by his loving wife Annie and the legions of Tir Chonaill supporters who will be travelling to Dublin.

Here, SunSport takes a look at his life off the pitch.

How old is Michael Murphy?

Michael Murphy was born on August 4, 1989, making him 35 years of age.

Originally from Letterkenny in Donegal, he plays football for Glenswilly with whom he has won three county titles.

After making his senior debut for Donegal in 2007, meanwhile, he won six Ulster SFC crowns - the first five of which were as captain - and the 2012 All-Ireland.

His individual prowess has seen him become the county's all-time top scorer, as well as a three-time All Star and 2009 Young Player of the Year.

Is he married?

He tied the knot with partner Annie Keeney at the back end of 2023.

They did it in style too amid the beautiful backdrop of Florence, Italy. The couple had been engaged since Christmas 2021.

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What is his job outside GAA?

He has a job befitting such a legend of Donegal sport as he is Head of Sport at ATU Donegal - short for Atlantic Technological University Donegal.

Its campus is in Letterkenny. According to his LinkedIn page, he's held that role since May 2021.

He combines that position with running his own business as he has operated a sportswear shop for over a decade.

His own college background comprises of a stint at DCU from 2009-2013 where he studied to become a PE and biology teacher along with a post-grad from Ulster University in 2020 in Sports and Exercise Psychology.

However, Murphy also had a job that had a direct impact on what gaelic football looks like in 2025.

Football Review Committee

Michael Murphy, who retired from inter-county football in 2022, has part of a star-studded Football Review Committee tasked with devising ways to improve the game.

Chaired by ex-Dublin boss Jim Gavin, the FRC also boasted the likes of Pat Gilroy and Cork icon Billy Morgan.

Kerry legend Mickey ‘Ned’ O’Sullivan, Offaly historian Paul Rouse, Kildare ace Kevin Feely, former football review committee chair Dr David Hassan and Ulster Council coach Philip Kerr were also aboard.

6 GAA Football Review Committee member Michael Murphy, second left, speaking during a briefing at Croke Park in Dublin Credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Former Connacht GAA Games manager John Tobin led the project along with GAA Director of Coaching and Games Development Shane Flanagan.

The group ended up recommending seven core new rule changes, including a new 40m scoring arc.

It meant that the game was set up nicely for Murphy's sensational return.

Retirement U-Turn

In November 2024, it was revealed that Michael Murphy would be returning to Donegal after being coaxed back by Jim McGuinness.

McGuinness himself had returned to the hotseat a year earlier but his star forward had resisted the urge to return.

He would change course ahead of the 2025 season and it paid dividends instantly as he won his sixth provincial title earlier this summer.

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