Kylie Murphy to play final ever game for Wexford on Saturday as legend calls time on playing career
Kylie Murphy has called time on her playing career ©INPHO/Andrew Conan
Wexford are preparing to say goodbye to their longstanding captain and club legend, Kylie Murphy. The club announced this morning that the 14 year veteran has called time on her playing career and will play her final ever game for the club at Ferrycarrig Park this Saturday. The Graiguecullen native has been part of the club since it's foundation back in 2011 and has been captain from day one. Kylie retires as one of if not the most decorated player the Women's National League has seen, having made 331 appearances for the club, scoring 123 goals in the process, she leaves with four Women's National League titles, four FAI Women's Cups, a a League Cup, two Shields and the All-Island Cup which she led them to earlier this year. She was also named in the Team of the Season four times. Kylie started her career at St. Pat's in Graiguecullen from a young age where she was the only girl in the team. She had stopped playing for two years before John Flood encouraged her to trial for Wexford and she's been an ever present in the team since then. Towards the end of her first season Murphy suffered a slipped disc in her back while warming up for a match against Peamount United. She rejected medical advice to retire from football and returned a year later and 14 years later, she's still going strong. She was crowned WNL Player of the Season back in 2021 before winning the inaugural Soccer Writers of Ireland Women's Personality of the Year. Wexford announced the news this morning in a statement released on their social media channels.
"Wexford FC Women wishes to officially announce that Kylie Murphy has called time on her playing career and will make her final appearance for the club this Saturday at Ferrycarrig Park against Cork City.
After fourteen years, Kylie leaves behind an unmatched legacy both on and off the pitch.
A true leader and club captain from our very first game in the Women’s National League in 2011 Kylie has been an inspiration to countless teammates and fans.
Kylie led the team to unprecedented success with a record four League titles, four FAI Cup wins, League Cup, All-Island Cup and two Shields – Wexford being the first club to win all domestic honours.
Under her leadership we travelled across Europe to compete in the UEFA Champions League.
331 appearances (all with the one club) scoring 123 goals, Kylie’s commitment, passion and talent have defined an era at Wexford – she is simply irreplaceable.
While she steps away from playing, Kylie’s impact will be felt for years to come and she will always be a part of this club’s history, heart and family."
Wexford's final league game of the season takes place at Ferrycarrig Park on Saturday at 4.30pm and is a dead rubber as Athlone have already been crowned champions but it will undoubtedly be an emotional affair as the club prepares to say goodbye to their legendary captain.
