He was a left-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler who previously represented England in the 2000 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

In November 2018, he was named the Men's International Player of the Year at the annual Cricket Ireland Awards.

[2][3] In November 2019, Murtagh announced his retirement from international cricket, remaining with Middlesex CCC for two years instead.

[citation needed] Murtagh played in just two of Surrey's County Championship matches in the 2006 season and as a result, he searched for opportunities with other clubs.

When a grace-period for Irish players expired in 2019, he retired from international cricket to continue playing for Middlesex.

[16] In April 2022, in the opening round of matches in the 2022 County Championship, Murtagh took his 900th wicket in first-class cricket.

[17] On 18 September 2023, Murtagh announced that he would retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2023 county season and it was confirmed that he would move into a coaching role at Middlesex.

[19] He made his debut against Australia in an abandoned One Day International (ODI) match at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast, in June 2012.

[38][39] His uncle Andy and younger brother Chris also played first-class cricket representing Hampshire and Surrey respectively.