Juliet Murphy to retire again after eighth title with Cork

Gregory McGonigle steps down as Monaghan manager

Cork’s  Juliet Murphy, Cork celebrates her side’s victory over Monaghan  in the  All-Ireland Ladies  senior football final. Photograph: Inpho
Cork’s Juliet Murphy, Cork celebrates her side’s victory over Monaghan in the All-Ireland Ladies senior football final. Photograph: Inpho

Cork's inspirational midfielder Juliet Murphy has said Sunday's TG4 All-Ireland Ladies SFC final victory over Monaghan was her last game for the county.

Murphy (33), made her debut against Kerry in 1996 and finishes with eight All-Ireland senior medals and nine Munster titles to her name.

The former footballer of the year, who is tipped to collect a sixth All Star award next month, retired from club and intercounty duty in June. She performed a dramatic U-turn in July and played a key role in Cork’s march to an eighth title in nine seasons.

Murphy returned after Cork lost to Kerry twice in the Munster championship. And as Cork progressed through the back door, scoring victories over Armagh, Dublin, Kerry and Monaghan, Murphy’s performances improved incrementally with the team’s.

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On Sunday, she landed two points from play as Cork completed the three-in-a-row with a narrow victory over Monaghan at Croke Park. The inspirational Donoughmore midfielder believes the Cork team could now splinter, as 10 members of the team captured their eighth All-Ireland medal. When asked if she was conscious last Sunday could be her last game for Cork, Murphy confirmed: “I knew it was my last, definitely.”

Meanwhile, Gregory McGonigle has stepped down as Monaghan manager. He confirmed yesterday he is leaving the post after three years in charge.

During his tenure, Monaghan won three Ulster titles and the National League Division One title in 2012.