A legend of Dublin GAA, Vinnie came on as a substitute in Dublin's 1995 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victory over Tyrone. He made his debut for Dublin in 1988 while still in the Minor ranks, He won an allstar for his performances with Dublin in 1992 and won two National Football League division one titles in 1991 and 1993. He also won 5 Leinster Senior Medals in 1989 and 1992-94. His ability to win ball was unprecedented for a man under 6 ft tall, the timing of his spring and ability to hang in the air was well noted. In the 1992 all Ireland final he was triple marked because of his aerial threat by the fullback and 2 midfielders, however he still won 19 possessions in a game were his man never kicked the ball during the game and only touched the ball 3 times. In his latter years when he came on the pitch for Dublin as a super sub, he had a ceremonious jog onto the pitch, much like an unstoppable rhino, he'd send his opposite number tumbling with a shoulder clash. He played with Trinity Gaels of Donaghmede throughout his career with Dublin, He left for them for work purposes to live in Kerry where he lined out for the famed Kerins O Rahillys club from 1996-1999 winning multiple Town Championships and a County League in 1999 against An Ghealteact scoring 1-4 in the final. He averaged over 7 pts a game in his time in Tralee for the club. He also played for Kerry in the Munster Hurling C/ship V Cork scoring 1-3 in the defeat in 1998. He returned in 2000 to Trinity Gaels but left in 2003 to join their neighbours, St Monica's of Edenmore. Working initially in a coaching capacity with St Monica's, he guided them to the Dublin Division 6 title in 2003. Following his playing transfer, Vinny resumed his duties at full forward from 2004 onwards, with Monica's narrowly missing out on the end-of-season play offs in 2004 and 2005. However, the team recovered from their near-misses and in 2006 completed a stunning league and cup double in 2006. The team won the Division 5 title in some style, losing only once throughout the campaign and defeating their nearest rivals, St Brigids of Castleknock by 5-11 to 0-6 in the decisive game. They also picked up the Conlon Cup, defeating Round towers of Clondalkin in the final. Murphy was rewarded for his sterling efforts, both on and off the pitch, with the 2006 Terry Monaghan award for Outstanding Clubman of the Year. In 2007 St Monica's won promotion to Div 3 and captured the cup under Vinnie's management, they are currently safe in their first year up.
