 Murtagh was released by Hearts at the end of the 2004–05 (injury hit) season, commenced a degree at University of Manchester and joined League of Wales club Connah's Quay Nomads, where he made 27 league appearances, scoring three goals, in the 2005–06 season.He joined Rhyl in 2006, making 25 Welsh Premier league appearances, scoring once, in the 2006–07 season and collected a Welsh League Cup runners-up medal after a penalty defeat to Caersws in March 2007.Murtagh joined Conference North club Southport in May 2007 but quickly left to join League Two side Wrexham in June 2007.