Editorials

The Irish Times view on Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh: a man who brought joy to summer Sundays

His voice was instantly recognisable, his insights into the people involved in the games was unmatched

Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh prepares to commentate on his last game, an Ireland versus Australia International Rules clash in 2010 ( Photo: ©INPHO/James Crombie)

Fri Jun 28 2024 - 20:08

The death of Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, at the age of 93, was felt throughout the country this week. Very few public figures attain the level of universal admiration that the former radio commentator inspired. You did not need to be a GAA follower or a radio devotee to retain a genuine sense of fondness for him.

He was that rare thing – a constant presence in Irish life for decades who never wore out his welcome. Indeed, he simply became more popular the older he got. He endured and thrived, even after finishing up his commentating career in 2010.

Generations discovered him at different stages along the way. If you were too young to have heard his hurling and football commentaries when they happened, you will have come across collections of his most famous lines and anecdotes, preserved by the internet.

If you missed these, his four-minute video on how to make the perfect sandwich may have crossed your radar. It was filmed by Bryan O’Brien for The Irish Times in 2017 and captures the then 87-year-old Ó Muircheartaigh at his playful, soulful best.

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Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s popularity is both difficult to achieve and easy to explain. His work as a GAA commentator was singular and authentic. Nobody sounded like him, though many have tried out their own ersatz imitations over the years.

His voice was instantly recognisable, his insights into the people involved in the games was unmatched. Though he became famous for his lyrical phrasing and excitable style, he had a professional mastery of the nuts and bolts of calling the games. It wouldn’t have worked otherwise.

For his audience, his commentaries have endured as much because of how they made people feel as how they kept us informed. That west Kerry accent conjures memories of summer Sundays in parks and beaches and back gardens and backseats, the games going on and Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh in full cry. Magic happening all around.

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.

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