Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh has been remembered for his “encyclopaedic knowledge” and “beautiful voice” among heartfelt tributes made in his memory today.
The legendary GAA commentator passed away today at the age of 93, after nearly 60 years as the voice of GAA fans nationwide.
Among those to pay tribute were the President, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, ex-players, managers, TV personalities, and Irish language enthusiasts.
TV and radio presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin said shaking the hand of Mr Ó Muircheartaigh “was an honour.”
“There's not one bad word you could say about him,” he told The Hard Shoulder.
“He was the voice of the parish, and the parish is the most important thing in this country.
“By God, did he know his people, did he know his games, and he was happiest when he could paint a picture for people's minds with hurling or football.”
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I today learned of the death of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.
May he rest in peace.
Read my statement here below. pic.twitter.com/IIFgls59Dc
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 25, 2024
President Michael D Higgins said the broadcaster had unrivalled commentary talents.
“He turned every match into an epic tale, his commentaries capturing like no other the sense of occasion, the atmosphere in the stadium and on the terraces, the ebb and flow of the play and of every movement,” he said.
Legendary GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh holds the Sam Maguire Cup outside Croke Park in Dublin after announcing his retirement in 2010. Image: PA Images / AlamyRTÉ’s Des Cahill said Mr Ó Muircheartaigh would have made an excellent head of State.
“There was talk going around at one stage he would have been a great president for Ireland, not just because he was a famous commentator, but because of his love of our language and culture,” he said.
“He was such a fine man and represented so many great qualities of Irishness – he was a rogue as well.”
'Extraordinary'
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was always impressed by the commentator's geographical knowledge of the GAA.
“If you had mentioned an area in the country, Mícheál would immediately tell you what GAA club was there,” he said.
“Next, he’d tell you when they won the county final or who that great player was. I mean, it was extraordinary.”
30 October 2010; RTÉ match commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, with co-commentator Bernard Flynn and his daughter Doireann, during the final moments of the game. Irish Daily Mail International Rules Series 2nd Test, Ireland v Australia, Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILETV presenter Mary Kennedy said he was a “wonderful contributor” to sports programming.
“He was a very generous panellist because he would say what he had to say and then somebody else would come in,” she said.
“He always had a twinkle in his eye. He was just a lovely, lovely person.”
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
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was an “iconic person” in Ireland.
“He had a beautiful voice and for many of us immersed in sport as young children, it was the voice of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, particularly on radio, that brought to life even the dullest of games,” he said.
“Such was his anecdotal capacity to tell stories with families and the people behind the great headlines of sport. He's a voice that we will cherish forever.”
You can listen back here:
Main image: RTE presenter Micheal O'Muircheartaigh. 3/4/1998 Picture/RollingNews.ie
