Brian Murphy announces retirement from football

Brian Murphy in action for Waterford during their FAI Cup semi-final against Bohemians on Friday, 22 October 2021.

Murphy in action for Waterford. Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)

Waterford goalkeeper Brian murphy has announced his retirement from football.

Murphy will remain with the Blues as a first team coach while also taking up the position of head of academy goalkeeping.

“After 23 years as a Professional Footballer, I now feel that it’s the right time for me to retire from the game that I have loved being a part of for all these years,” a statement from the goalkeeper said yesterday.

“Moving to Manchester as a 17 year old goalkeeper with no idea of what I was doing or where it might take me, I feel very privileged to have had a successful club career, as well as the honour of representing my country at all levels.

“From the Premier League to the League of Ireland and everything in between, I have been extremely fortunate to have played at incredible clubs including; Manchester City, Swansea City, Bohemian FC, Ipswich Town, QPR, Portsmouth FC and Cardiff City. And then to finish my career playing for my home town club Waterford FC has been a very special honour for me.

“To all of the Managers, Coaches, Teammates and Supporters who have helped me to live and breath this game for so long, I thank you very much.

“To my family and friends, thank you for being there for me every step of the way. I owe you more than you will ever know.

“Timing is everything, if it’s meant to happen it will, at the right time for the right reasons

“So once again, my time is now.”

The Waterford native made almost 300 senior appearances across his career which included a lengthy stint in the UK. He was also capped up to under 21 level with the Republic of Ireland.



The 39 year old began his career as a teenager when he secured a move to Manchester City in 2000, while there he had loan spells with Oldham Athletic and Peterborough United before moving to Swansea City in 2003.

He returned to Ireland in 2007 to sign for Bohemians where he would go on to win the League of Ireland Premier Division title twice, an FAI Cup in 2008 and the League of Ireland Cup in 2009.

Murphy then secured a return to the UK with Ipswich Town and he went on to play for QPR, Portsmouth and Cardiff City before signing for his hometown club Waterford for the 2020 season.

The goalkeeper kept 22 clean sheets in 66 matches for the Blues over the last three season.

About Paul Corcoran

Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile