Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was 'a father figure to our nation', mourners told

On a drizzly, overcast, dull Saturday morning, the clouds hanging over the West Kerry town encapsulated the sense of darkness that had enveloped Kerry and beyond since news broke last Tuesday of the 93-year-old commentator’s passing in Dublin.

“I’ve known Mícheál for over 50 years. When I was a young journalist, a young commentator, he helped me any way he could. He was a real gentleman. We’ve lost a great man, we’ve lost a great Gael,” said Breathnach.

Of all the commentators, I have absolutely no hesitation in saying that Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was the best sports commentator I ever heard. 

People say how will we find another Mícheál? There will not be another Mícheál. He was a one-off.

“It was the man himself, the way he approached life, the way he approached people, the way he approached the homework that he did before matches, how he got to know people.

“If you were talking to anybody in the street, and you were talking to him, he wasn’t waiting for the next one to go by. You had him, he had you, and that was it. He was so, so special. Any way that he could help you, he would help you. He had a great heart,” he added.

Ó Sé, in a powerful eulogy, emphasised the wit of his great friend, a man who was also blessed with a wonderful sense of humour. On a trip to Cheltenham back in the day, he threw a copy of the Independent down on the breakfast table. The woman of the house was stunned to see Mícheál on the front page:

“You must be famous,” she said. “Oh but we’re not happy,” said Mícheál. “Why wouldn’t you be happy?” “Because our wives don’t know we’re at Cheltenham,” he exclaimed.

That down-to-earth, bubbly, personality of the Dún Síon native was clear for everybody to see. Chief celebrant Fr Michael Moynihan, the parish priest of Dingle, stressed that it really did feel like the end of an era.

“Mícheál will be remembered with great fondness, a father figure to our nation. Over 60 years, he was part of life in our sitting-rooms and kitchens. We feel that a chapter in life has closed, never to be reopened again,” he said.

“Mícheál was a remarkable man, we were blessed with his presence. Kerry held a special place in his heart, from the landscape to the people, from the history to the culture. Kerry was a source of joy and pride to him, which was genuine and inspiring.

“He was truly a national treasure. He has left a legacy of knowledge, passion and commitment to the things that he loved.

Mícheál was a peoples’ person, he was connected to people from all walks of life. He was truly interested in people and their stories.

Among those in attendance were GAA president Jarlath Burns, former director general Liam Mulvihill, Kerry GAA chairman Patrick O'Sullivan, education minister Norma Foley, MEP Billy Kelleher and former Kerry GAA and Munster Council Chairman Sean Walsh.

Tánaiste and leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, had the very same impression of Ó Muircheartaigh. Growing up in Turner’s Cross in Cork, and a huge fan of the GAA, the Nemo Rangers club-man became engrossed in the sports.

“He goes back to my early childhood days. When young minor players were coming to the fore from the Turners Cross parish and playing with Cork minor teams, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh brought the names of local heroes to the national stage,” he said.

“That time, the minor games were played before the senior games, and Mícheál was the commentator. Later on in life, childhood picnics through the country fields with our father, be it National League games or championship, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was that wonderful, lyrical voice.

“He immortalised people through his commentary, whether it was the rabbit chasing the fox, or Colin Corkery, our Nemo club-mate, with Lazarus not being able to kick points like Colin Corkery. He elevated sport through his commentary, so he had impact.

“He understood the pressures and the challenges of life.

He was always able to bring the background of a player, the village where they worked, into the commentary, which, in many ways, brought home how part and parcel of life that the GAA was.

“It wasn’t just about a game, it was about their families, it was about their parishes and the connections. He was an outstanding commentator. Globally, I don’t think you would come across a person of his capacity, and I think his beautiful tone, not just in English, but as Gaeilge as well, was extraordinary.” 

Where Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was most extraordinary, of course, was when he was wrapped in the comfort blanket of his own family, with wife Helena and their eight children. Son Aonghus gave a poignant description of their life growing up.

“It was a house of kindness and fun. Dad had great energy and enthusiasm, he didn’t believe in tiredness. He brought us literally everywhere with his work. We were the only kids in Blanchardstown that looked forward to the National Ploughing Championships,” he quipped.

“There was an old typewriter that he used in the 1980s. There he would be, hammering away, children either side of him, a few more under his legs, and another hanging around his neck. Doireann would often fall asleep on his back.

“He loved home. He would always get more animated from Tralee onwards, and would tell whoever was driving him to reduce the speed to 30 miles, just so he could take everything in. Nobody would have imagined the life he would lead. That little boy didn’t do too badly.”

Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, during the prayers of final commendation, hit the nail on the head. “One day we will see Mícheál again, and rejoice in his friendship. Thank God for his life.” 

Thank God indeed. 

Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh (1930-2024). Ní bheidh a leighéid arís ann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.