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Legendary GAA Commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, at the top of Carrauntoohil, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks back in 2014. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan
TRIBUTES have been paid after the death was announced earlier today of legendary sport broadcaster and commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. Micheál passed away this morning surrounded by his family in the Mater Hospital, Dublin.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley said; “I am saddened beyond measure to learn of the passing of Mícheál Ó’Muircheartaigh. He was a legendary figure in GAA circles, but he was a legendary figure in all of our homes and in all of our hearts.
He was synonymous with what it was and what it is to be a true and great Irish gentleman. His unique love of Irish language, culture and sport. His incredible civility and courtesy. His gentleness and his extraordinary compassion and kindness. The very best of us and how we would like the world to see us.”
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Born in Dún Síon just outside Dingle, in 1930, his first assignment for RTÉ was to provide an all-Irish commentary on the 1949 Railway Cup Final on St Patrick’s Day; he continued teaching up until the 1980s when he became a full-time broadcaster with RTÉ.
While he had been broadcasting commentaries in English on RTÉ Radio since 1956, Micheál also covered All-Ireland Minor Semi-Finals and Finals in both hurling and football in the Irish language on RTÉ for over 25 years from the inception of television coverage in 1962.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh with Maurice Fitzgerald at the launch of Kieran Donaghy’s book ‘What Do You Think Of That’ in Tralee back in 2016. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
When the legendary Mícheál O’Hehir retired from broadcasting in the mid-1980s, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh took over as RTÉ’s premier commentator.
Micheál provided commentary on his last All-Ireland Final on Sunday September 19, 2010, when Cork faced Down in the football final at Croke Park. His career in RTÉ had spanned over 60 years.
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, said: “Speaking at the time of his retirement, Micheál said, ‘There’s only a while in everything. Sin mar a tá an scéal.’ His wisdom exemplifies his enormous modesty, as the truth is that Micheál was legendary for a reason. He captured the essence of his beloved sports and brought them to life for generations. His love for Gaelic Games was matched only by his love for the Irish language and his native Kerry, and his legacy stands proudly as a seminal contributor to sporting life and culture in Ireland, to the life of his language, and the life of the nation.”
As well as tributes from the GAA world, soccer personality Chris Kamara and Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain have also praised the legend.
Just heard the sad news from @NickyByrne & @Cormac88 that the legendary commentator Michael O Muircheartaigh has passed away. Myself & @JeffStelling spent a cracking week with Meehaul as he educated us on the GAA. We went from grassroots to the All Ireland final. RIP Michael you… pic.twitter.com/8K7LBEwt5W
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) June 25, 2024
So sad to hear of the passing of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. A man of great wit and charm, he was the voice of the summer to gaels all over the world. He was blessed with a long life and he lived it well, bringing joy to many. I think I can say without contradiction, ní bheidh a…
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) June 25, 2024
Meeting the then Prince Of Wales back in 2018. Photo: Julien Behal
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