‘Memory man’ Jimmy Magee dies at the age of 82

Sports commentator Jimmy Magee has died at the age of 82.

His death was announced by RTÉ on its Twitter account on Wednesday morning.

It is understood he died following a short illness.

Colleagues and athletes have paid tribute to Magee, who became known as The Memory Man because of his encyclopaedic knowledge of sport.

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Magee was born in New York city and raised in Co Louth.

He joined RTÉ in 1956 going on to commentate on 11 Olympic games and 12 World Cups. In 2006, Magee was presented with a PPI Outstanding Achievement Award to mark his 50th year in broadcasting.

President Michael D Higgins has said Magee's contribution of more than 60 years of sports broadcasting was "immense" and "earned him the deserved moniker of the 'Memory Man'".

“He reported on some of the most iconic sporting moments in sport but also had a genuine interest in the human side of everyday sports,” President Higgins said in a statement.

“His encyclopaedic knowledge of the world and sport enabled audiences to ‘Know Your sport’ and his love for sports, in particular boxing, Gaelic and soccer, was deeply infectious - as were his persuasive powers, which he demonstrated so ably when coaxing sporting heroes out of retirement for the All Stars football games and music evenings in Ballyjamesduff.”

President Higgins added: “He will be missed by all those who appreciate and care for the world of sports.”

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross said Magee’s passing “will be mourned by the people the length and breadth of the land”.

“His passion for sport and warm interest in people, and his ability to express both was central to the immense affection felt for him, both in Ireland and also abroad, particularly amongst the Irish Diaspora,” Minister Ross said.

Dee Forbes, director-general at RTE said Magee was “a broadcasting giant”.

“As a keen sports fan, Jimmy Magee helped shape my strongest and fondest early sporting memories and even during the many years I lived and worked outside the country, he was there to bring so many great sporting occasions to life in his own inimitable style, he knew how to make these moments mean so much more,” she said.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has also offered his condolences stating “Jimmy’s passion for sport, of any description, was legendary”.

“Jimmy encapsulated all that is good in Irish sports broadcasting. A quick wit, he respected the players and they, in turn, respected him,” he said.

The Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association (IMNDA) has paid tribute to Magee, who they said was “our friend and patron”.

“Jimmy tirelessly supported the charity for well over a decade, following the untimely death of his son Paul from motor neuron disease,” it said in a statement.

“No task was too small, no obstacle too high. Jimmy always brought his trademark humour and remarkable ability to bear on our fundraising activities, and helped generate hundreds of thousands of euro to support people living with MND.”

Ryle Nugent, head of sport at RTÉ said it is an “incredibly sad” morning.

“It’s hard to put it into words. The man meant an inordinate amount to so many people and I think he was one of the soundtracks of many generations,” he said.

“Jimmy holds his own with some of the most iconic memories in broadcasting in sport in this country and rightly so. He was an incredibly positive human being, I never heard Jimmy start a conversation with a negative and he took that into his professional life.”

Former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given wrote on Twitter: “Sad news to hear that Jimmy Magee has passed. One of the best commentators of Irish sport RIP Jimmy.”

Professional boxer Paddy Barnes said: “Just heard the news, RIP Jimmy Magee, a unique sports commentator.”

RTE sports broadcaster Des Cahill said: “RIP Jimmy Magee. Our song was ‘Seven Spanish Angels’...the best travel companion ever. A pure rogue for the craic.”