Ó Muircheartaigh was the voice of Gaelic games commentary on RTÉ for more than 70 years.
He commentated on his first game in 1949, covering the Railway Cup final on St Patrick’s Day in Irish, and signed off after the 2010 All-Ireland football final between Cork and Down.
During that time, he endeared himself to listeners with his unique voice and command of language, both Irish and English.
Today’s Sports News in 90 Seconds – 25th June
Taoiseach Simon Harris described the renowned commentator as a “legend”.
“His voice, his colour, his excitement, his love of sport, his turn of phrase were often as exhilarating as the action he was describing on the pitch as the audience held its breath for what Mícheál would say next,” he said.
“He also had a humour you could not learn – ‘Teddy McCarthy to Mick McCarthy, no relation, Mick McCarthy back to Teddy McCarthy, still no relation’.”
For a generation of Irish abroad, Mr Harris said, the Kerryman was “a treasured link and the voice of home as they listened to GAA across the world”.
“In person, he was a gentleman to his fingertips and filled a room with a quiet and dignified aura,” he added.
Ó Muircheartaigh became the main RTÉ radio commentator for Gaelic games in 1985 when Michael O’Hehir retired from broadcasting.
His commentaries for RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Sport show won him a Jacob’s Award in 1992.
Originally from Dún Síon outside Dingle, he grew up on the family farm and graduated as a primary school teacher and later secondary school teacher, spending much of his working life in Dublin.
He taught economics, accountancy and Irish in both primary and secondary schools throughout Dublin before becoming a full-time broadcaster with RTÉ in the 1980s.
While in the capital, he often took charge of training the Kerry players during Mick O’Dwyer’s years as manager.
The late, great commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh at St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, Kildare back in 2015
In 2020, to mark his 90th birthday, the GAA paid tribute to him – with then-GAA president John Horan describing him as “synonymous with Gaelic games as Croke Park, Semple Stadium, St Tiernach’s Park or Dr Hyde Park”.
“For those who couldn’t be there at a game, there was still the chance to feel like you were there,” Horan said.
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, spoke after the announcement of Ó Muircheartaigh’s death on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta: “Speaking at the time of his retirement, Mícheál 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 Mícheál 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.”
Declan McBennett; Group Head of RTÉ Sport, added: “Mícheál was in a very exclusive club of broadcasting icons. His voice brought Gaelic games to life and his words will live forever.
“He captivated a nation through his commentaries and his passion knowledge, insight and wit were cherished by those who knew him through the wireless and the radio, through television and latterly on into the digital world.”
Ó Muircheartaigh passed away in Dublin’s Mater Hospital.
