Former Ulster, Rotheram and Connacht hooker Jonny Murphy was a bright prospect when he departed Belfast for Galway.
Unfortunately for the dynamic front row, his career would be cut short by injury following just four years with the province.
Instead of wallowing and wondering about a career that could've been, Murphy took his rugby focus and translated it into an unlikely new career as a baker.
Speaking to Irish Media outlet RSVP, Murphy spoke about his transition away from professional sport and in particular his new venture.
“I had always had an interest, but we [Jonny’s team] had a coffee morning for Galway Hospice, and I made some stuff just to raise some money.
“The lads started asking ‘oh who made this?’ and I said I did-and at first they didn’t believe me!
“It became a thing where on tough training days, I would have made something and brought it into the lads, and that was just like a treat once a week.”
Discussing how the business grew, Murphy said,“I made an Instagram page and it got a bit of traction- a few people were asking if they could put in orders”
“I got like a lot of messages from like local coffee shops looking to know if i could supply them but I was like ‘Sorry, I'm playing rugby and I’m studying at the moment it just wouldn't work.”
Shifting his focus to the injury that forced him to give up the game he loved, Murphy said,“It is tough. I always heard people talk about the difficulties of transitioning (to life after rugby), and you're just like 'oh it'll be grand' until it actually happens. You know, you don't really know.”
After leaving Connacht, Jonny was unsure what his next move would be, but with the support of his team mates, friends and family, he decided to have a crack at baking full time.
“I was like, You know what? I'm gonna throw myself into it here, and made a bit of a plan.”
During his playing days Murphy had plenty of supporters but none bigger than his grandfather Alfie.
In what is hands down one of the best rugby videos on the internet today, Murphy delves into a recent trip he took with Alfie to watch the Ireland women's match against England.
Videoing the experience, Muprhy captures exactly what makes the sport so special as he shows just how much joy the weekend brought to his grandfather.
@thehungryhooker Alfie got another treat and what a treat it was.. Guinness Ireland invited us to the @Irish Rugby and @England Rugby women’s match in Twickenham! It was amazing to bring my Granda Alfie and he loved every second of it.. I’m getting to make some amazing lifelong memories with him and I couldn’t be more thankful! Thank you to everyone that follows the page because your support has made this happen 🙌🏼❤️ #fy #fyp #prinvite #rugby #sixnations #womenssixnations #womensrugby #guinness #guinnesssixnations #grandfather #grandson #family #love #relationships #dreamcometrue #memories #lifelongmemories ♬ Lo-fi hip hop - NAO-K
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