“Really brilliant” – RTE GAA legends pay moving tribute to icon Michael O Muircheartaigh as Ireland’s voice falls silent

LEGENDARY GAA commentator Micheal O Muircheartaigh has been remembered as a “genius” who could “paint a picture with his words” after his death today.

The iconic Gaelic Games broadcaster died in a Dublin hospital at the age of 93, surrounded by his loved ones.

Michael’s long association with the station began almost three quarters of a century ago, first providing all-Irish commentary on the 1949 Railway Cup final before becoming one of the most known to RTE.

Sunday Games legend Michael Lyster – who worked closely with O Muircheartaigh for many decades – spoke to The Irish Sun following news of his old friend’s death today.

The 70-year-old TV hero told us: “When I was young there were the two Michaels – Micheal O Muircheartaigh and Michael O Hehir were the two big hitters of the time.

“His name is synonymous with GAA games. He introduced Gaelic Games commentary to people who may not have been big GAA fans, but were his fans.

“It was fantastic to see how much he was appreciated. Everyone knew him: the people who went to the matches, the GAA players, the officials, he was so well known by everyone.

“In the 1950s, I remember listening to Michael and being captivated. He was so, so good.

“Actually, I think as far as Michael was concerned, he was even better on radio than on television because he had a wonderfully descriptive voice.

“He could paint a picture with words that others couldn’t.

“I was just thinking about him the other day. He was truly great and we will miss him.

As tributes poured in for the 60-year veteran, Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke on behalf of the nation, saying: “The word ‘legend’ is used too often, but for Michael it’s almost not enough .

O Muircheartaigh – who ended his storied career in 2010 – died yesterday morning aged 93.

He is survived by his wife Helena, his three sons, five daughters, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Tributes poured in for the popular broadcaster, who announced the matches in Irish and English.

“Wonderful heritage”

Chairman Michael D Higgins said: “Michael O Muircheartaigh, and especially his inimitable voice, will forever be linked to our memories of some of the greatest matches in GAA history. His beautiful Irish delivered with a love of his sounds and his sense of Gaelic games is a wonderful legacy left by Michael O Muircheartaigh.

“Indeed, so many matches are perhaps remembered more for his commentary than for the action on the pitch.

“For Michael turned every match into an epic story, his commentary capturing like no other the sense of the occasion, the atmosphere in the stadium and on the terraces, the ebb and flow of the game and every move.

“Michael’s encyclopedic knowledge of the players, their clubs, backgrounds and loved ones, his evocation of every parish and town across the country, provided unprecedented insight to the listener and viewer. »

Fine Gael leader Harris also joined in the tributes to the beloved commentator, telling how he had “the heaviest heart” to hear the news of his death.

A lot of humor

He said: “His voice, his color, his enthusiasm, his love of sport, his turn of phrase were often as exhilarating as the action he described on the pitch while the audience held their breath for what Micheal would say Next.

“He also had a humor that you couldn’t learn – ‘Teddy McCarthy to Mick McCarthy, no connection, Mick McCarthy back to Teddy McCarthy, still no connection’.

“For a generation of the Irish diaspora, Michael was also a valuable link and voice of the country as they listened to GAA across the world.

“In person, he was a gentleman through and through and filled a room with a calm and dignified aura. May he rest in peace.”

Kevin Bakhurst, Managing Director of RTE, said: “His love of the Gaelic Games was matched only by his love of the Irish language and his native Kerry, and his proud legacy of having made an instrumental contribution to the to the sporting life and culture in Ireland, to the life of its language and the life of the nation.

‘Magic of his voice’

Close friend and colleague Marty Morrissey farewelled O Muircheartaigh in an emotional video released shortly after his death was announced.

Marty, another station loyalist, told his audience: “His journey into broadcasting earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest career as a live match commentator.

“Today Michael O Muircheartaigh passed away.

“But the magic of his voice and the memories he left us will mean in our minds that he will live forever.

“His beautiful accent, unique turn of phrase and ability to paint pictures with words captured the minds and hearts of his listeners, whether in Ireland or abroad.”

Taking to Twitter, Montrose friend Des Cahill shared a photo of himself and O Muircheartaigh in Croke Park, captioning it simply: “RIP Micheal O Muircheartaigh.” »

Sky Sports legend Chris Kamara has recalled how the veteran commentator gave him and Jeff Stelling a crash course in GAA during a flying visit to Ireland.

Kammy posted: “Just heard the sad news from (Westlife star Nicky Byrne)… that legendary commentator Michael O Muircheartaigh has passed away.

“Myself and @JeffStelling had a brilliant week with Meehaul as he informed us about the GAA. We went from local level to the All Ireland final. RIP Michael, you were a great guy.

The life of the icon

Micheal was born in Dun Sion, just outside Dingle, County Kerry, in 1930 and worked as a teacher for many decades, notably for O’Connell’s CBS, in Croker’s shadow.

He became RTE Radio 1’s first radio commentator when O’Hehir retired from broadcasting in 1985, providing coverage of the flagship event until his retirement.

His last All-Ireland final came in 2010, when he commentated on Cork’s victory over Down in the deciding football final, and hung up his headphones in October that year. The much-loved O Muircheartaigh was awarded an honorary doctorate from NUI Galway in 1999 for his lifetime service to broadcasting.

And shortly after his 90th birthday, the RTE star was awarded the only All Star of 2020 – with all other All Stars suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kerry GAA posted online: “A national treasure without doubt, but above all a jewel in the crown of his beloved Gaeltacht in West Kerry. Michael had a deep attachment to West Kerry, Kerry GAA, Ireland and everything about being Irish.

“We were so lucky that he was from the Kingdom and represented our country with unparalleled pride. »