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Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
Semple Stadium Legend
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
Until he announced his retirement from broadcasting in 2010, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was the country’s best-known Gaelic games commentator. His recognisable voice was synonymous with Gaelic games for generations of GAA supporters.
Mícheál, a native Irish speaker, was born in 1930 at Dún Síon, near Dingle, Co. Kerry. He enjoyed a successful career as a primary and secondary school teacher for many years. His broadcasting career began quietly in 1949, during his days in St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, when Radio Éireann looked for someone to do occasional commentaries as Gaeilge. Thus began a marvellous career that spanned six decades.
His encyclopaedic knowledge of Gaelic games is renowned and it is well known that when Mícheál is commentating many people prefer to watch the game on T.V. while listening to his radio commentary.
Mícheál established himself as RTÉ’s main commentator for both Hurling and Gaelic football and was recognised by many as the voice of the game.
Mícheál had a style of his own and his wonderful vignettes have gone into GAA folklore:
“Seán Óg Ó hAilpín: his father’s from Fermanagh, his mother’s from Fiji. Neither a hurling stronghold.”
“Anthony Lynch, the Cork corner-back, will be the last person to let you down – his people are undertakers.”
“Pat Fox has it on his hurley and is motoring well now, but here comes Joe Rabbitte hot on his tail… I’ve seen it all now, a Rabbitte chasing a Fox around Croke Park!”
