From tries to pies: How baking is 'safe space' for ex-rugby player

Jonny Murphy aka The Hungry Hooker says he's "made some wild combinations for 15s"

Playing professional rugby for Ulster and Connacht was a dream come true for Jonny Murphy.

But he was forced to retire early on medical grounds three years ago due to concussion at just 30 years old.

So he turned to his second love, baking, to help him find a new identity after leaving the sport he loved.

Along the way he has spoken openly about his journey, his struggles with his mental health throughout his life and how baking helps him cope - known as the Hungry Hooker on social media, he has amassed more than 700,000 followers across various platforms.

The former Ireland underage international from County Armagh played for Ulster, Rotherham Titans and Connacht before having his career cut short at the end of the 2021-22 season.

The Donacloney man said retirement was one of the most challenging moments in his life but baking, which he has loved from childhood, was a massive help to keep him focused.

"I had a contract in France on a Monday, and on the Tuesday, I got the call advising me to retire. It was all a very big shock," he said.

"But at the end of the day you only get one head.

"I had a panic attack, and at that moment I thought I was dying… I was all over the place mentally."

Jonny Murphy was forced to retire from rugby due to concussion

Filling the void

Now, he is arguably better known for his social media posts about baking with his nanny Mamie, taste-testing with grandad Alfie and more recently focusing on mental health.

Having experienced his own challenges from a young age including fear of death, obsessive thoughts (OCD), anxiety and difficulty dealing with "big life events", Murphy wants to "bring some help and support others that may be struggling".

"I never thought I'd be open about the mental health side of things," he said.

"I have no problem being vulnerable and showing that it's OK not to be OK and bring reality because I think online can be a bit of a highlight reel.

"The stuff I've put up is just life and I think that's the way it should be."

Murphy said baking for his teammates helped him develop his culinary skills

Fiona Teague, from the Public Health Agency (PHA), said one-in-five people experience a mental health problem at any given time.

"Some simple changes to our lifestyle such as exercising, having good sleep habits and connecting with people in our community can help, however, it's important to seek professional help if things are not improving," she said.

Murphy has partnered with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to help promote positive mental health, and said it is important to remember "there's no quick fix".

He recently shared his story at an event in Lurgan, providing practical tips for self-care and managing mental health, and is keen to do more in the future.

Murphy credits Rugby Players Ireland and the support structures within the Ulster and Connacht squads for equipping him with the tools to deal with his struggles.

He told BBC News NI: "I suffered for maybe a decade before I got help.

"I thought if I went to the doctor, my potential rugby career could be gone if I was lucky enough to make it, and that's not the case.

"Probably the hardest thing to do at the start is that first chat."

Grandad Alfie has become well known on social media for being the Hungry Hooker's no-nonsense taste tester

Be kind to yourself

His grandparents' kitchen has become a second home since returning to Northern Ireland; he refers to it as his "safe space" and "therapy".

"It's just myself and I enjoy doing the recipes and the videos.

"Lately it's been quite taxing with a lot going on and I'm working on trying to make it sustainable and a long-term thing, bring as much value to the people that follow me because I'm very lucky to have that.

"If it's just making one person feel that they're not alone, it makes it all worthwhile in my head."

Rest is key to processing life's pressures and it's important to make time for yourself, he added.

The baking

Orange and lemon madeira cake is a firm favourite

Sharing the social media spotlight with his grandparents has been extra special with both taking the fame in their stride.

On the cooking front, Murphy said while he has more of a savoury tooth he does "enjoy a good crumble".

And what is his favourite Northern Irish treat?

It has to be the fifteen, he said. "Each to their own…I've made some wild combinations for fifteens."

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, you can find help and support via the BBC Action Line.