Former RTE commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh sadly passed away on Tuesday, June 25th. He was the voice of the GAA for over sixty years before retiring in 2010.
His work took him to every part of Ireland, including Oranmore Maree and to many places around the world. He is survived by his wife Helena, sons Aonghus, Cormac and Éamonn, and daughters Doireann, Éadaoin, Neasa, Niamh and Nuala.
Mícheál was born in Dún Sion, just outside Dingle, in 1930 and did his first commentary on the 1949 Railway Cup Final on St. Patrick’s Day. Juggling the two, he worked as a teacher until the mid-1980s before becoming a full-time broadcaster with RTE. He is in the Guinness Book of Records for having had the “longest career as a live match commentator.”
Micheál will be remembered for his incredible voice, his remarkable turn of phrase and his truly magical abilities as a sports commentator. He made you feel like you were there if you were at home or in the car listening. You really felt like part of the action.
He was our special guest at our gala fundraising event for the Renville Sports Ground in 2019. He loved everything about our Club and the new development. On the night he spoke beautifully about his love for Gaelic Games and life in the commentary box. He was hugely patient, massively supportive and took time to meet everyone.
He loved people and people loved him.
He will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place in our Club and in Renville. May he Rest in Peace.
