North Melbourne to honour former recruit Red Og Murphy after sudden passing
North Melbourne has announced the sudden death of former international recruit Red Og Murphy at just 21 years of age.
Murphy's family and the authorities in Ireland are yet to confirm the cause of death.
Murphy was on the Roos' list as a teenager in 2019 after being taken as a Category B rookie from his home club in County Sligo, Ireland.
He spent a year in the midfield with the Roos' VFL team, playing 12 matches before returning to Ireland at the end of the 2019 season.
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Red Og Murphy. Getty
Upon his return to Ireland, he starred for his local club Curry GAA and County Sligo.
North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio expressed his condolences to those closest to the youngster.
"On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to pass on my deepest sympathies to the Murphy family at this difficult time," he said.
"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."
Local parish priest Fr Leo Henry told the Irish Examiner that the community has been shocked by the news.
"The parish and community and the Murphy family — we are all one big family. We are united in life, and in grief, and in celebrating Red Og's wonderful short life," he said.
"We are a very close-knit community. We are one big family, every single one of us."
Another to pay tribute to Red Og was neighbour and Sligo county councillor Martin Connolly.
"The parish of Curry is speechless," Mr Connolly said.
"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 will honour Murphy with players and officials to wearing black armbands during its match against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night at the Gabba.
