Micheál Ó Mhuircheartaigh was born in Dún Síon, outside Uí Chúis (Dingle), Co Kerry in 1930.
Having originally worked as a teacher, Micheál Ó Mhuircheartaigh was celebrated as the voice of Gaelic Games commentary on RTÉ for seven decades. Many loved him for his command of the Irish and English languages, providing unique commentary on GAA matches in both tongues.
Mr Ó Mhuircheartaigh's first commentating assignment came in 1949 when he provided an all-Irish commentary on the Railway Cup Final between Munster and Connacht on St Patrick's Day.
He assumed the role as commentator for RTÉ on a full time basis, following Micheál Ó'Heir's retirement in 1985. He eventually retired in 2010 following the All Ireland Senior Football Final between Cork and Down.
In 2020, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh celebrated his 90th birthday, with the GAA paying a sweet tribute to him.
The then president John Horan described Ó Mhuircheartaigh as “synonymous with Gaelic games as Croke Park, Semple Stadium, St Tiernach’s Park or Dr Hyde Park”.
He also added: “For those who couldn’t be there at a game – there was still the chance to feel like you were there”.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Ó Mhuircheartaigh all over social media. Check them out below.
