Murphy was still a member of the Rapparees team that reached the county senior final in 1993, however, they lost to Cloughbawn on that occasion.
Murphy first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Wexford minor hurling team in the late 1970s.
In 1979 Murphy was also a member of the Wexford under-21 team and he helped the Slaneysiders to victory over arch rivals Kilkenny in the Leinster decider.
He later played senior hurling for Wexford, winning Walsh Cup and Oireachtas winners' medals, however, he was unable to establish himself in the championship team.
In 1985 he took charge of his first major game when he officiated at the Wexford Senior Hurling Championship final between Buffer's Alley and Faythe Harriers.
His first big game came in early 1988 when he refereed the Division 1 clash of Tipperary and Limerick in Semple Stadium, Thurles.