Martin Murray

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Martin Murray (born 6 October 1958, in Dublin) was an Irish soccer player.

Murray, who is often confused with belfast born actor martin murray, 1991, was a midfielder who won the FAI Cup as a 16 year old when his Home Farm F.C. side shocked the Irish footballing fraternity by beating Shelbourne in the 1975 Final. Everton F.C. saw his potential and soon took him to Goodison Park. His dream move turned sour as injuries and illness took their toll on Murray and in 5 years at the club, he never made a first team appearance.

He returned to Home Farm and then on to Drogheda United where he inspired Drogheda to runners-up in the 1982/83 Premier Division. His performances were noted by his fellow professionals and he was voted PFAI Player of the Year for that season.[1] He made the short move to Louth rivals Dundalk where he enjoyed more success, winning the League and Cup "Double" under Turlough O'Connor in 1988. He also had spells at St Patricks Athletic, Ashtown Villa and Bohemians (where he made 3 appearances in European competition, all coming in the 1995 Intertoto Cup) but his most successful spell post-Dundalk was at Crusaders.

Murray spent 6 seasons at Crusaders where he won two League titles and became a firm favourite with the fans. His popularity at Seaview meant it was no surprise that Murray took his first steps in management at the club. However, financial restraints frustrated Murray and after a year in charge he resigned. He then took over as manager at Dundalk and won promotion to the Premier Division in his first season in charge in 2000/01. His second year in charge saw mixed fortunes as he led Dundalk back into Europe by winning the FAI Cup but Dundalk also suffered relegation back to the First Division.

After being hammered in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Cup by FC Varteks of Croatia, Dundalk struggled to re-adapt to the lower division and it was no surprise when Murray resigned as manager in September 2002 after a defeat to Athlone Town.

[edit] Honours as a player

  • FAI Cup
    • Home Farm - 1975
    • Dundalk - 1988
  • PFAI Player of the Year
    • Drogheda United - 1982/83
  • 8 Irish Under-21 International Caps
  • League of Ireland Representative Team

[edit] Honours as a manager