- Date of Birth22 / 02 / 1937
- Lions Tours1959, 1966
- International CapsIreland / Lions
- Lions Origin SchoolsCBC Cork
- Lions Origin ClubsMunster, Garryowen, Barbarians, Cork Constitution
Noel Murphy's success as a Lion was both instant and enduring. He played his first Test for the tourists as a 22-year-old in 1959, returned to New Zealand and Australia as one of the squad's senior figures in 1966 and ultimately coached the side in South Africa in 1980.
On his first Tour, the all-action Irishman was the sort of openside flanker New Zealanders admired: a scourge of opposing half-backs, physically hard, mentally tough and a powerful tackler.
He scored five tries in his 18 matches in New Zealand and Australia, as well as a hat-trick against Canada on the way home.
Murphy returned as a Lion in 1962 – this time on the blindside – and was just as effective as he had been at openside, with his strength and robust tackling to the fore.
Famed for his leadership, Lions team-mate Ray McLoughlin said of the Corkman nicknamed ‘Noisy’, “he wouldn’t shut up.”
Murphy's motivational qualities and tactical awareness led him into coaching after he made his final appearance for his country in 1969. And after coaching Ireland during the late 1970s, he took the reins of the Lions in South Africa in 1980.