Johnny Murray

A winger, Johnny Murray played in the historic first Republic of Ireland (then the Irish Free State) international football match against Bulgaria at the Paris Olympics on 28 May 1924. He also played in the 2-1 extra-time defeat by Netherlands in the quarter-final, and in the friendly against Estonia the following day. Murray would then play in Ireland’s first home international against the USA at Dalymount Park, Dublin, on 14 June 1924 (although some sources incorrectly say 16 June). They were Murray’s only international appearances.

At club level, Murray played with the Dublin sides Ormeau and Blue Crusaders before signing for Bohemians in 1921. He played in the “Bohs” side that won the Irish Free State (now the League of Ireland) title in 1923/24. After 63 appearances and 11 goals for Bohemians he joined Drumcondra in 1926 and the following year scored their winning goal in extra-time of the replayed FAI Cup Final against Brideville as they won the Cup for the first time.