Donegal’s All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy has announced his retirement from inter-county football for the second time.

The 37-year-old made his Donegal debut in 2007 and captained the county to All-Ireland success in 2012, scoring 1-4 as they beat Mayo in the decider.

The Glenswilly forward also won six Ulster Senior Football titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2018 and 2019, and is a four-time All Star.

He previously announced his inter-county retirement in 2022, but reversed the decision two years later and made a triumphant return under Jim McGuinness in the 2025 season.

He helped his county to retain the Anglo-Celt Cup with an extra-time victory against Armagh and reach the All-Ireland final, which they lost to Kerry.

His stellar performances earned him a fourth All-Star while he was also nominated for the Footballer of the Year award that year.

Murphy stayed on for the 2026 season and while Donegal won the Division One title, his last game was their All-Ireland round-three exit to Dublin in June.

“The Donegal County Board has today announced that former All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy has retired from inter-county football,” the county said in a statement.

“The player informed management in recent weeks once the club championship had concluded.

“Michael has been Donegal’s talisman for a generation and captained the county for most of his career having made his senior debut back in 2007. Two seasons ago, he came out of retirement, winning a sixth Ulster medal, his fourth All-Star and a national league title in the process.”

Paying tribute to Murphy’s decorated inter-county career, Donegal county board chairperson Mary Coughlan added: “Alas, we always knew this day would come but we are privileged to have watched the stellar career of Michael Murphy up close.

“What he has given Donegal GAA on-and-off the field is simply extraordinary while always an ambassador par excellence and role-model for so many young people in our county and beyond.

“He is one of the giants of the modern game and when players talk about leaving the jersey in a better place on retiring, Michael has certainly done that. He has carried himself with tremendous dignity and integrity at all times.

“His innate modesty is a foil for a fierce competitor who never gave less than 100% while inspiring others around him to do likewise.”

Murphy’s retirement is a further blow for boss McGuinness, who decided to remain at the helm for a fourth year in his second stint.

He has also lost talented defender Finnbarr Roarty after the 2025 Young Footballer of the Year signed a two-year rookie contract with Aussie Rules outfit Collingwood.