Sir, - The sad news of the end of Michael's earthly life is the second of his two "deaths", wherein we all surely felt a profound sense of personal loss.
For the illness which wrenched him from his proper post at the microphone, wrenched from us all unique voice which did not merely commentate upon a football match. Rather, it sang at us in that inimitable tenor which was so uniquely Michael's own. It sang at us, furthermore, with such an abundance of creative flair that it would have surely graced the most exigent operatic stage anywhere. An All Ireland Final broadcast has never been the same for me since.
As you now take your honoured place in the Celestial Croke Park Community box, Michael, spare us all a thought and a prayer, to help to "narrow the gap" between us and that aspired to place in eternity alongside you. For all the joy you gave (and for all the catchphrases!) thank you from the heart. - Yours, etc.,
Garden Street, Magherafelt,
Co Derry BT45 5DD.