 Murphy played football for Connacht many times in his career and his talent was duly recognized by the Connacht Railway Cup management in 1976 when he was selected as the first and only Sligo man to captain his province.Murphy also enjoyed success at club level, winning five county championships (with Craomh Rua and St. Mary's), five League medals (also with Craomh Rua and St. Mary's), three Connacht club championships and, an All-Ireland 7s .He also won Junior titles with St. John's after the new club was formed when the old Sligo borough boundaries were further divided.