AFL in mourning after death of former North Melbourne player at 21
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/2DiEJk0LYy— GPA (@gaelicplayers) April 1, 2022
Christ almighty. Heard the news about Red Og Murphy as I was driving down home. Can't stop thinking about it. Just awful. Condolences to his friends and family.
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) April 1, 2022
Really saddened to hear that former @NMFCOfficial and @officialgaa @sligogaa footballer, Red Og Murphy has suddenly passed away, aged 21.
My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates during this time.
Vale Red Og Murphy. 😥— Azza (@azzajewell) April 2, 2022
RIP Red Og Murphy.
Awful sad news, was very talented GAA player.
May he rest in peace.— Conor McKenna (@conormckenna98) April 1, 2022
Shocked and saddened to learn of the news about Sligo's Red Og Murphy - a young man that had the world at his feet. Stunned. Thoughts and prayers are with family & friends - may he R.I.P.
— John McMahon (@John_Mc_Mahon) April 1, 2022
Awful news today that Sligo and DCU star Red Óg Murphy has tragically passed away.
Thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time 🙏 pic.twitter.com/XoqMkQDzFe— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) April 1, 2022
Our village is stunned at the passing of Red Og Murphy, an inspiration and a role model to the local young generation and loved by the older generation for being such a talented footballer and wonderful, polite and gifted lad. Curry so proud of him and hurting badly tonight. RIP
— Yeats County Inn (@YeatsCountyInn) April 1, 2022
Sad News coming out of Sligo tonight
Red Óg Murphy has tragically passed away
Players across Ireland have lost one of their own ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/NrR96bQSpC— Score Beo (@Score_Beo) April 1, 2022
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