'A voice that conjured up magic' - tributes as Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh dies at 93
Passed At Has Rip: Muircheartaigh ó Away Age 93 Mícheál Who Of The
Renowned broadcaster Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh has died in hospital at the age of 93.
The Kerry native was the voice of Gaelic games on RTÉ for many years, describing games in both Irish and English.
He retired in 2010, with Cork's win over Down in the championship decider his last All-Ireland final.
Born in 1930 in Dún Síon, outside Dingle,
Ó Muircheartaigh worked as a teacher before embarking on his distinguished broadcasting career.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I today learned of the death of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh," An Taoiseach, Simon Harris said.
"The word 'legend' gets used too often, but for Mícheál, it is almost not enough.
"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 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 the Irish diaspora, Mícheál was also 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.
"May he rest in peace."
"He had a voice that conjured up magic; he created masterpieces with his words; and he enhanced memories for generations," a statement from the Gaelic Players Association reads.
"To players, he was a true friend. Our deepest condolences to the family of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.
"A legend of Gaelic games. A legend of Ireland. RIP."