Michael Murphy is to become the country’s youngest GAA captain in 2011, after being handed the role with the Donegal senior team.
At just 21, the attacking star will succeed Gaoth Dobhair player Kevin Cassidy as Tir Chonail skipper after being given the huge role by boss Jim McGuinness.
Gentle giant Murphy made his debut as a 17-year-old in 2007, and has established himself as one of the game’s most exciting attacking talents.
The hard-hitting star has resisted repeated attempts to lure him Down Under where he is considered the perfect player for Aussie Rules football.
The Glenswilly star captained the county to the All-Ireland U21 final this year, losing out to Dublin in a game in which he missed a vital penalty.
And he represented Ireland in the International Rules series against Australia in October.
Although he never got a long run-out in either of the games against the Aussies, student Murphy did manage to pick up a number of impressive points.
The nomination as Murphy as his captain is also a major risk for Glenties man Jim McGuinness in his first year as manager of the Donegal side.
However McGuinness was understood to be very impressed by Murphy’s attitude and maturity and it is understood he wanted to use him as an example to other players.
After a successful spell as Under 21 manager, McGuinness is being tipped as a manger to watch by many commentators.
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