A minute silence will be observed at Ballybrit racecourse in Co. Galway this evening in memory of broadcaster Colm Murray who has passed away.
The 61-year-old has been described as the voice of Irish racing. He died following a battle with motor neuron disease which he had been diagnosed with 3 years ago. He recently participated in a drug trial in a bid to increase understanding of the condition.
He is survived by his wife Anne, two daughters Patricia and Kate and his sister Mary.
The minute silence will take place just before 5pm this evening ahead of the first race of the Galway Festival.
The newsreader and sports journalist had worked with RTÉ since 1978 and is best known for his horse racing reports.
In 2012 he was presented with a People of the Year award for speaking out about the condition and speaking out about the need for a cure.
Hundreds of people, including RTÉ colleagues and figures from the horse racing world, have already taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Colm Murray for his defiance in the face of his condition.
Very sad news to hear of RTE sports correspondent Colm Murray's passing he was such a nice man and a great supporter of racing & all sports
— BarryJGeraghty (@BarryJGeraghty) July 30, 2013
Very sad 2 hear of the passing of Colm Murray a true sports fan and gentleman who adored his racing thoughts are with his family
— Davy Russell (@_Davy_Russel_) July 30, 2013
Sad to hear of Colm Murray's passing. The courage he showed in his latter years was nothing short of heroic. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
— Eamonn Donohoe (@EamonnDonohoe) July 30, 2013
Colm's longtime RTÉ colleague, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh says his enthusiasm set him apart among sports broadcasters.
Tributes have also been paid by his colleagues who spoke to Lunchtime here on Newstalk.
"A sad, sad day"
RTÉ's Group Head of Sport, Ryle Nugent said: "It's a sad, sad day for all of us that knew and worked with Colm. He had an infectious laugh, a real sense of fun and a little mischief that has been, and always will be, missed in this office."
Meanwhile, the Director General of RTÉ, Noel Curran said: "He will rightly be remembered by the horse racing community for his enthusiasm and authority. For all who worked with him in RTÉ he will be remembered as a wonderful colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Colm’s family today.”
