Yesterday morning’s All-Ireland qualifier rekindled memories of Donegal’s last Championship tussle with Meath – 15 years ago when this now iconic picture was snapped.
At first glance, it’s your normal post-match frame.
Brendan Devenney, who played a pivotal role in Donegal’s 1-13 to 0-14 win over the Royals at Croke Park, is in an embrace with his sister, Sharon, as supporters celebrate.
But look a little closer.
On the left-hand side, a starry-eyed 12-year-old is within grasp of his hero at the time.
But it’s not just any 12-year-old.
Michael Murphy always had heroes and they always wore the green and gold of Donegal. Anthony Molloy was one and Murphy has recounted in interviews how he often had the 1992 All-Ireland final playing on a loop.
Murphy never missed a game, in the company of his parents, Mick and Mary, and was a keen autograph hunter after matches – you can be certain that Devenney’s name is inked there somewhere.
As Donegal prepare for their next assignment against Meath, this Saturday in Navan, Murphy has gone on be the star. He is the man who makes Donegal tick and the man they’ll look to in the Pairc Tailteann trenches this weekend.
Murphy is regularly swamped with young (and, indeed, not so young!) fans looking for selfies and autographs.
Who knows, one youngster in a picture on Saturday could be the future.
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