Ireland's "voice of Gaelic Games" mourned in widespread tributes

Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, who was a Gaelic games commentator for more than six decades, has been the focus of widespread tributes following his death on Tuesday, June 25.

Ó Muircheartaigh, 93, died at Mater Hospital in Dublin on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family.

He is being remembered by Ireland's leading politicians, broadcasters, sporting groups, as well as fans in the wake of his death.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he learned with “the heaviest of hearts” about the death of Ó Muircheartaigh on Tuesday.

“The word ‘legend’ gets used too often, but for Mícheál, it is almost not enough,” Harris said.

“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.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was “deeply saddened” by the passing of Ó Muircheartaigh, who he described as “the iconic voice of Gaelic Games.”

Martin said: “He was a true hero of the Irish people. He had a beautiful voice and incredible attention to detail. He brought every game to life on radio.

“He had tremendous empathy and respect for sportspeople generally and sought to understand them more deeply than others. He loved the world of sport.

“Hailing from the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht in West Kerry, he had a natural and beautiful command of the Irish language and was one of its greatest ambassadors.

“My deepest sympathies to the Ó Muircheartaigh family.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, the iconic voice of Gaelic Games.

He was a true hero of the Irish people. He had a beautiful voice & incredible attention to detail. He brought every game to life on radio. (1/3)

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 25, 2024

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins said that Ó Muircheartaigh, "and in particular his unmistakable voice, will forever be linked with our memories of some of the greatest matches in GAA history."

He added: "His beautiful Irish delivered with a love of its sounds and sense to Gaelic games is a wonderful legacy that Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh leaves. 

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) said that "to players, he was a true friend."

He had a voice that conjured up magic; he created masterpieces with his words; and he enhanced memories for generations.

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. pic.twitter.com/zVQiiUSRES

— GPA (@gaelicplayers) June 25, 2024

Kerry GAA said that Ó Muircheartaigh was "a national treasure without question, but first and foremost a jewel in the crown of his beloved Gaeltacht in West Kerry."

Meanwhile, on social media, others shared their fond memories of the Irish legend.

Sports journalist Gavan Casey recalled when Ó Muircheartaigh offered him warm words during one of his first times on television:

I tweeted this a few years ago but one of my first times on TV was with Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

As we cut to an ad break, the great man leant in and whispered to me: “An-mhaith... an-mhaith ar fad.”

It remains one of the best moments of my life to be honest.

RIP, Mícheál. pic.twitter.com/7koeXIYN0n

— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) June 25, 2024

One person shared this heartwarming memory about a schoolmate who received an unexpected visit from Ó Muircheartaigh:

Girl in my year reached out to Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh for a quote for her special topic for History, not really thinking she'd hear back, busy man etc.
No response but a few days later he rocks up to the oifig like "I'm looking for Mairéad, she's to interview me for her essay"

— Louise? (@Selkies_) June 25, 2024

Irish former broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille shared his favorite Ó Muircheartaigh moment:

My favourite Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh moment? Hard to choose but this is in my top ten:
A minute to go in the Munster hurling final.
It’s hot, tight and tense.
Mícheál:
‘A free for Tipperary… sixty yards out… There’s a wasp in the commentary box but we’ll deal with it later.’

— Cathal Mac Coille (@CMacCoille) June 25, 2024

And Irish columnist Roy Curtis deftly described Ó Muircheartaigh as "the Carrauntoohil of commentators."

Micheal Ó Muircheartaigh was summer.
His symphonic West Kerry lilt was the soundtrack of the long days.
His voice was a sonic riverdance: A traditional, vibrant, soaring, musical, heart-lifting celebration of Irishness.
His words danced.
The Carrauntoohil of commentators.
RIP.

— Roy Curtis (@RoyCurtis68) June 25, 2024