Tim Murtagh
A crafty seam bowler who traded English county cricket for a green jersey, becoming Ireland's most dependable wicket-taker.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Irish cricketer·Birthday: August 2·Millennials
Biography
Tim Murtagh's story is one of shrewd reinvention. Born in London and a stalwart for Middlesex County Cricket Club for over a decade, he leveraged his Irish heritage to forge a remarkable second act as an international bowler. In county cricket, he was the epitome of consistency, a medium-pace seamer who mastered the art of bowling a relentless line and length on English pitches. His decision to play for Ireland in 2012 transformed their attack. With his veteran guile, he became the spearhead of an emerging team, his five-wicket haul on Test debut against Afghanistan in 2019 a crowning moment. Murtagh proved that cricket intelligence and skill could trump raw pace, outthinking batsmen for both his county and his adopted nation with a bag of subtle tricks.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tim was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Took a five-wicket haul (5/13) on his Test match debut for Ireland against Afghanistan in 2019.
- Captured over 800 first-class wickets in his career, primarily for Middlesex in the County Championship.
- Helped Middlesex win the County Championship title in 2016, taking 62 wickets that season.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of fellow professional cricketer Chris Murtagh.
He played for the England Lions (the 'A' team) in 2007 before switching allegiance to Ireland.
He famously dismissed England captain Alastair Cook with his very first ball in a 2011 county match.
“I've always been about hitting a length and letting the pitch do the work.”
