By Dionne Meehan

MICHAEL Murphy’s primary school teacher Philomena Barron is beaming with pride as she prepares to watch her former pupil, the child she once taught and encouraged, take to the pitch in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship this weekend.

The 85-year-old Manorcunningham woman taught the Glenswilly legend on the lead up to his First Holy Communion during her time subbing in Glenswilly National School many moons ago.

Recalling their time in the classroom together, Philomena described the Donegal full forward as a “very quiet” and “well-mannered little fellow”.

Michael Murphy.

In his early days, Philomena said Murphy’s passion for Gaelic football wasn’t obvious; but she did observe his natural sporting ability shine through during P.E. class.

A self-confessed, life-long Gaelic fan, Philomena’s love for the sport started long before her time subbing in Glenswilly.

Living in Dublin in the early 1960s, she spoke of her time spent standing under the Cusack Stand in Croke Park.

“When I lived in Dublin, we nearly had a wee place bought out under the Cusack,” she said.

“We were there every weekend.”

And this weekend will be no different for the Barron family as they make their way to Dublin to support the boys from the forgotten county.