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AFL in mourning after death of former North Melbourne player at 21

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·4-min read
Red Og Murphy and Lachlan Hosie, pictured here at a North Melbourne training session in 2019.
Red Og Murphy (L) and Lachlan Hosie at a North Melbourne training session in 2019. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour) (AAPIMAGE)

The AFL community is mourning the tragic death of former North Melbourne player Red Og Murphy at 21.

The Irishman was on North Melboune's list in 2019 after being selected as a Category B rookie.

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Authorities in Ireland revealed this week that Murphy had passed away suddenly.

The cause of death is yet to be released.

North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio sent his condolences to the Murphy family on Saturday.

Red Og Murphy, pictured here with Sam Wright at a North Melbourne training session in 2019.
Red Og Murphy (R) is tackled by Sam Wright at a North Melbourne training session in 2019. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to pass on my deepest sympathies to the Murphy family at this difficult time,” Amarfio said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with those closest to Red Og, his family and friends in his home in Ireland, and all those who played and worked alongside him and became friends with him during his time at North Melbourne.”

Murphy never made it to the AFL but played 12 games in the VFL for North Melbourne in 2019.

He kicked two goals against Footscray in his final match before returning home at the end of the season.

He played gaelic football for Curry GAA and county Sligo when he returned home.

Australia and Ireland mourn death of Red Og Murphy

Murphy’s neighbour and Sligo county councillor Martin Connolly said the whole community was in shock.

“The parish of Curry is speechless," Mr Connolly told the Irish Examiner.

“Red Og was probably one of the finest footballers that came out of the area.

“He played for Curry GAA club. He and the Murphy family are highly respected.”

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A post shared by Red Óg (@red_og_murphy)

The Gaelic Players Association wrote on Twitter: "We remember Red Óg Murphy, a young man gone far too early.

"To his family, loved ones, friends and teammates; our hearts are broken for you.

"Players across Ireland have lost one of their own. May he rest in peace."

North Melbourne said players and officials will wear black armbands against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.

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