GAA commentary legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh dies aged 93, leaving behind a rich legacy

RTE broadcasting icon Micheal O Muircheartaigh has passed away at the age of 93 in the Mater Hospital, Dublin. The sad news emerged this morning that the legendary GAA commentator had died after being admitted to hospital. O Muircheartaigh, a stalwart of Irish sports commentary, became a household name through his work with the national broadcaster, having initially balanced his broadcasting career with teaching before committing full-time to RTE in the mid-1980s. Read more: Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty’s health battle as wife Cat shares insight The Kerry native retired from his beloved role in commentary in 2010, with his last match being the All-Ireland Senior Football final where Cork triumphed over Down. Reflecting on his extensive career spanning decades, Micheal once shared with RSVP Magazine: “I began commentating in 1949 so it was a long time until 2010. I decided to be nice to witness matches while not working. Other than this year, I have gone to all the matches.”, reports RSVP Live. He also commented on the changing landscape of sports viewership: “Even if there was a ticket available for the All-Ireland Football final last month, I don’t think I would have gone to it because things have changed so much. I think people enjoyed watching them on TV and listening to them on the radio over the winter, I would say the viewing figures have been monumental! “. Micheal noted the impact of the pandemic on sports: “I am sure it is the same with soccer, rugby and golf as well. Sport is not the big problem at the moment, it is something that is in the background.” Married to Helena since 1970, O Muircheartaigh was a family man with eight children. He once mentioned spending time with his son Aonghus, saying: “I am with my son Aonghus today and he works in finance, I don’t know what title he has.” “He is involved the world over and he could be calling South Africa or New Zealand. I have a son who is a doctor in Singapore and I have a daughter in Germany. I also have a daughter working in Beaumont Hospital and my youngest works as a physio here in Kerry.” The GAA legend hails from Dun Sion, a stone’s throw from Dingle in County Kerry, and was born in 1930. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.