If any young GAA player out there wants a ten-second demonstration on how the game should be played, they should watch this Sean Murphy block.
If they want to learn even more about the game they should watch Murphy’s full performance for Carlow against Dublin in their Leinster Championship first round clash.
That’s how good the Carlow midfielder was.
Turlough O’Brien’s side ended up losing by 12-points to Jim Gavin’s Dublin, but the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story.
The men of Carlow took the game to Dublin from the word go. They displayed admirable bravery, honesty and passion until the bitter end of the game, despite losing talisman Brendan Murphy to a red card.
Carlow were never going to defeat Dublin, it’s as simple as that, there’s a reason why Jim Gavin’s side are chasing their third straight Sam Maguire.
There is a gulf between the two teams, a gulf in class and a gulf in resources.
Carlow can’t be faulted for effort, however, and Sean Murphy was an absolute epitome of effort throughout.
WATCH: Amazing block by Carlow's Sean Murphy! Live on SS5 or follow on https://t.co/DGn2ccg3ml https://t.co/y7hdbzm2ZA
— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) June 3, 2017
The Fenagh club man was simply phenomenal. His pace and direct running caused problems for Dublin from the first minute to the last. His relentless effort and constant resolve never gave them a moment of peace when they were on the ball.
Murphy’s display was capped with a beauty of a score from the outside of the boot, and he deservedly collected the Man of the Match award after the game.
WATCH!
What about this for a score from @Carlow_GAA's Sean Murphy vs @DubGAAOfficial! #LeinsterGAA pic.twitter.com/IIZirdx38n— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 3, 2017
A true reflection on his character was that he wouldn’t speak to the Sky Sports interviewers after the game, such was his disappointment at his side’s loss.
What a character, and the same could be said about every Carlow player on the pitch at O’Moore Park on Saturday.
