Pat Spillane Has One Big Concern About Michael Murphy's Impact On Donegal

On the back of a second successive Ulster title under Jim McGuinness, there is no doubt that Donegal supporters will be excited about what could be to come for the county over the next few months.

Donegal were excellent in their provincial final victory over Armagh, overcoming the All-Ireland champions after extra-time. It was a fascinating contest, one in which McGuinness' men put themselves in a position to win on a number of occasions in normal time.

However, they would require an extra 20 minutes of play before ultimately getting the job done. Michael Murphy played a large part in securing that victory.

Having returned to the Donegal panel for the 2025 season, the 35-year old produced a man-of-the-match display in order to get the county over the line against Armagh.

While his performance in that game was hugely impressive, some remain unconvinced that Murphy will do the business later in the championship.

READ ALSO: Hurling Power Rankings After Pivotal Weekend In Munster Round Robin

READ ALSO: Joe Canning Explains Why Rivals Should Be 'Worried' After Limerick Hammer Cork

Now in his mid 30s, it is fair to say that Michael Murphy is no longer at his physical peak. Despite this, the introduction of the new Gaelic football rules and his previous hiatus from inter-county have resulted in the Glenswilly man looking completely rejuvenated since his return to the Donegal fold.

However, some have questions as to whether this will remain the case over the coming months.

Writing in the Sunday World, Pat Spillane suggested that the lack of running power from Michael Murphy and forward partner Patrick McBrearty could prove an issue for Donegal later in the All-Ireland series.

It was very unDonegal-like too that they failed to see out the game in normal time when they were leading.

And with Murphy and Patrick McBrearty, I wonder will a lack of pace go against them in Croke Park. I’m not sure they will have the legs...

Donegal just about fell over the line, but they left me with more questions than answers. Even though I tipped Donegal to win, they are not, in my eyes, All-Ireland favourites.

While it is true that Michael Murphy is not as impressive of an athlete as he once was, it would be a major surprise if a player of his class did not perform in the latter stages of this year's championship.

Donegal will certainly be confident in the abilities of their star forward, with the county sure to be in the mix to lift the Sam Maguire later this summer.