‘Hearts are broken’: Former Kangaroos player Red Og Murphy dead at 21

The North Melbourne community is reeling at the devastating news that a former player has passed away aged 21.

Red Og Murphy and Lachlan Hosie look on during a North Melbourne Kangaroos training session at Arden Street Oval, North Melbourne, Wednesday, August 7, 2019. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour) NO ARCHIVING

The North Melbourne Kangaroos community is reeling at the shock news that former player Red Og Murphy has passed away aged 21.

Murphy, who was on the Roos’ list in 2019 after being taken as a Category B rookie, passed away suddenly in Ireland this week, with local authorities yet to confirm the cause of death.

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“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to pass on my deepest sympathies to the Murphy family at this difficult time,” North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with those closest to Red Og, his family and friends in his home in Ireland, and all those who played and worked alongside him and became friends with him during his time at North Melbourne.”

We remember Red Óg Murphy, a young man gone far too early.

To his family, loved ones, friends and teammates; our hearts are broken for you.

Players across Ireland have lost one of their own.

May he rest in peace.

🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/2DiEJk0LYy

— GPA (@gaelicplayers) April 1, 2022

Really saddened to hear that former @NMFCOfficial and @officialgaa@sligogaa footballer, Red Og Murphy has suddenly passed away, aged 21.

My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates during this time.

Vale Red Og Murphy. 😥

— Azza (@azzajewell) April 2, 2022

Murphy represented North Melbourne in 12 VFL games in 2019, kicking two goals against Footscray in his final match of the season before returning home at the end of the year.

Back in Ireland, he played for Curry GAA and county Sligo.

Sligo county councillor Martin Connolly told the Irish Examiner: “The parish of Curry is speechless.

“Red Og was probably one of the finest footballers that came out of the area.

“He played for Curry GAA club. He and the Murphy family are highly respected.”

North Melbourne players and officials will don black armbands during Saturday evening’s match against the Brisbane Lions to honour Murphy.

Red Og Murphy of the Kangaroos. AAP Image/Scott Barbour