Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.RollingNews.ie

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.”

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."

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."

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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:

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

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

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