AHAMSTRING injury changed the football life of Andrew Murnin and launched him into a completely new role in the game.
Formerly a midfielder, the St Paul’s man is now a feared attacker with the Orchard county who specialises in collecting awards in his new position.
His performance in the number 14 jersey, in the Allianz Football League Division Three final earned him three personal awards – the league medal as Armagh defeated Fermanagh at Croke Park, the man-of-the-match award and, also, the Quinn Building Products UGAAWA March Merit Award.
“For some time I was in and out of the team because of a hamstring injury,” said Murnin.
“I was playing in midfield but it became evident that I could no longer handle that role with the way that midfield players have to run around now so I was moved into full-forward.
“That changed my game completely. I don’t have to run around so much and I am enjoying my new role.
“It has worked out very well for me and I am managing to get a few scores. I just couldn’t handle midfield at present.”
Murnin beat stiff competition to claim March’s award.
Monaghan duo Kieran Hughes and Rory Beggan excelled in their county’s Football League win over Dublin, Slaughtneil’s Tina Hannon scored 1-7 as the Derry side retained their All-Ireland camogie title, and Lee Brennan was in fine form for Tyrone throughout the month.
In the end, the decision went to Murnin, who was a bit surprised with the honour as he attended the presentation at Quinn’s Corner.
“Certainly, there were many others, including members of the Armagh team, who had very strong claims to win this prestigious award but, obviously, I am delighted to be the chosen recipient,” said accountant Murnin, who now looks forward to another date with Fermanagh – next month in the Ulster Championship.
Murnin got the all-important goal in the Division Three final which Armagh won by two points.
He was a member of the Armagh team which won the 2009 All-Ireland MFC. He has now added two League medals and an Armagh IFC title collected with St Paul’s, Lurgan, to his growing haul.
Now the concentration turns to the Ulster SFC and to club affairs with the Armagh league already under way. Murnin and St Paul’s are off to a good start as last Sunday they snatched a draw away to Lurgan rivals Clan na Gael.
“The Championship game with Fermanagh will be a very different affair from the League game,” he said.
“There won’t be the same space in Brewster Park as in Croke Park. We drew in Enniskillen earlier in the league and there were only two points between us in Croke Park so we are pretty well matched.
“We will soon be getting down to prepare for the Championship but, for the present, club affairs are top of the list,” he said.
