Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh is Retiring

dixiefly

According to RTE radio Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh is retiring and that Sunday's All Ireland will be his last All-Ireland. I am not sure if this is actually hos last game. Hopefully not.

Comparisons will of course be made with other greats in irish sport but in my opinion Michael has been bigger than that and is a national icon.

efb

Listening now to his interview in RTÉ Radio 1

efb

He will finish with the international rules

ShaneIRL

I dont think anyone else will have the carisma or passion for the game that Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh had. A true loss to the sport.

cabrwab

Sad day.
The voice of gaa.

Poly

Brian Cowen might be looking for a job soon.

jpt77

Absolutley gutted. What an amazing man. The true voice of gaelic games. Always listened to him with the tv volume down. Watching the game was only part of the experience. Micheal brought it into another dimension.

I genuinely feel very sad about this. A part of my youth will die this season. I wish him all the best in his retirement. He deserves it. My cousin had an accident a number of years ago. Played football to inter-county level. He's in a wheelchair now. I remember him saying that Micheal took time to visit him a number of times in Dun Laoghaire.

A true gent.

lg123

jpt77 wrote: »

Absolutley gutted. What an amazing man. The true voice of gaelic games. Always listened to him with the tv volume down. Watching the game was only part of the experience. Micheal brought it into another dimension.

very well put. he is a living legend

patmac

True legend:
"Teddy McCarthy to John McCarthy, no relation, John McCarthy back to Teddy McCarthy, still no relation."

"Joe Rabbitte runs after Pat Fox who has the ball, thats the first time I've ever seen a rabbit chase a fox around a field"

About Sean óg O'Halpín
"His Fathers from Fermanagh and his mothers from Fiji, neither is a hurling stronghold."

"He grabs the sliotar, he's on the 50......he's on the 40......he's on the 30....... he's on the ground."

c_man

What a legend.

megadodge

So disappointed to hear this news. One of the last links with my childhood Sundays is going.

The word 'magical' is overused but in Micheal's case he really has that indescribable something that makes any game he's commentating on a different experience.

And just as important, he's a gentleman.

Enjoy your retirement Micheal.

Connie_c28

A sad day for sport even sadder for the GAA as the legend who is Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh retirers from the box.

Big shoes to fill by anyone!

Aiel

He's a national treasure.As has been said Sunday's wont be the same.The way he would describe a game-"he's 40 yards out Hogan Stand side of the field" etc meant you knew exactly where the play was.He's a legend,i've many memories(childhood and teenage) of Sunday's coming back from a game in the car listening to him commentating on another game and feeling like you were there.
Maybe he's planning on running for Presidency next year,he's got my vote:).He'll be missed!!!

JonathanAnon

just turned on the radio... I thought he was dead the way they were going on .. fuk sake..

spider guardian

they will never find a commentator as good as him or michael o'hehir. the poor oul fellas will be crying into their pints. i'm getting all nostalgic now...

JerryHandbag

Sad day. Great memories of listening to him as a kid in the back seat of my parents car, my dad always had radio on when we drove to the beach....I remember him getting shall we say a little bit excited at the end of the Meath-Dublin 3rd replay in 1991 Good days indeed

penexpers

RTE may as well stop doing radio commentary now because there'll never be anyone to replace him.

bijapos

Sad to hear that, he along with O'Heir are the voices of the GAA for everyone in this country. I lived in Germany and France in the 90's, used to get someone to tape Sunday Sport off the radio when the Championship started, post it over and I could sit down to him and the others on a Wednesday evening.:) His voice stood out above the others even for a coupel of flat mates who couldn't speak a word of English. I know German women who fell in love with the romantiscism and passion of his voice which is some credit to the man.

If anyone goes into the Palace Bar in Fleet St in Dublin, there is a mural upstairs of him and some of his quotes, a nice tribute to him in a pub famous for its literary connections over the years.

Listen to this, recorded a couple of months ago, powerful stuff. Beats Lady Gaga any day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYARUjOI3T0&feature=player_embedded

Sad day. Great memories of listening to him as a kid in the back seat of my parents car, my dad always had radio on when we drove to the beach....I remember him getting shall we say a little bit excited at the end of the Meath-Dublin 3rd replay in 1991 Good days indeed

This is it, sound not the best but you get the passion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjy9guThsWU&feature=related

Sponge Bob

The greatest commentator in these islands today. O Muircheartaigh ranks with the true greats such as Ted Lowe, Bill McLaren , Murray Walker.

As much as any of them he was the indelible voice of the sport he commentated in, the sound in your head when you think of the sport.

In Ireland only Jimmy McGee Fred Cogley and Seán Bán Breathnach even come close and Michael O Hehir was never as good as those three.

Surely this thread should be stickied !!!

Ephie

He'll be sorely missed, complete legend!

Sponge Bob

Sponge Bob wrote: »

In Ireland only Jimmy McGee Fred Cogley and Seán Bán Breathnach even come close and Michael O Hehir was never as good as those three.

WHAT?

TouchingVirus

A devastating loss to GAA, RTE and radio. I think many people would have liked it if he did exactly what he said he wouldn't; Stay on.

The excitement, the passion, he brought it to the next level. And he'll be missed for sure.

Paleface

What a legend!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pr80azypVs

jpt77

Hi folks,
I wrote in this forum earlier.
I just sent this to Des Cahill earlier. What do people think? Is it viable?

Dear Des,

like so many people I am so sad today about the imminent retirement of Mícheal ó Muircheartaigh. He has been such a part of my youth and my adulthood. However I do think that there is a great way of celebrating his unique skills which brought so much joy to so many. As a young lad I used to tape the all-Ireland day coverage on RTE radio. In 1991 I remember him comparing Paddy O'Rourke bounding out the field to a Sheep farmer in the Mournes and Michael Donnellan's great run in 1998 celebrated in 'A Year till Sunday'.
What about producing a CD or RTE link where we could listen to All of these All-Irelands, or the last 25 or some of the classic matches. There is a huge market outthere for this and could also raise some badly-needed funds for healthcare institutions.
Thanks for reading this email and best of luck in the future.

aidan24326

Sponge Bob wrote: »

The greatest commentator in these islands today. O Muircheartaigh ranks with the true greats such as Ted Lowe, Bill McLaren , Murray Walker.

As much as any of them he was the indelible voice of the sport he commentated in, the sound in your head when you think of the sport.

In Ireland only Jimmy McGee Fred Cogley and Seán Bán Breathnach even come close and Michael O Hehir was never as good as those three.

Surely this thread should be stickied !!!

Sean Ban Breathnach is great on Radio Na Gaeltachta, one of the very few who compares to MO'M in the passionate commentary stakes. I recently heard his commentary on the closing stages of the 1998 final between Gawlay and Kildare and my god it would put the hairs standing on the back of your neck, especially if you're a Galwayman! Never really liked Fred Cogley though.

Micheal retiring is a sad day for everyone who loves GAA. He was a truly unique commentator who will never be emulated.

I don't know if many of you remember Tom Rooney but he was an excellent radio commentator. Did GAA games and rugby internationals aswell. But he died a few years ago.

Micheal is leaving some very very big shoes to fill. Listening to a game on the radio will never be the same again.

Daysha

FFS RTE should really not have the headline "Tribues pour in for O Muircheartaigh". Thought the man himself had passed away for a moment.

Ephie

Yeah, unfortunately his last Championship game is this Sunday, he'll still be doing the Compromise Rules though ....

Leinster GAA News
http://www.gaa.ie/leinster
PRESS RELEASE
16.09.10

Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh

The GAA would like to extend its gratitude and acknowledge the pending retirement of long standing Gaelic Games commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh before his last GAA All-Ireland final assignment on Sunday.

Although the Dún Síon man will take up a position in the commentary box for both of the International Rules tests against Australia in October, Sunday's football final meeting of Cork and Down will be his last All-Ireland final.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana lauded the unique and hugely significant contribution of a man indelibly linked to our games and wished him well when he does hang up his microphone.

He said: "As if Sunday's football final prospect wasn't enticing enough there is the added attraction of being able to say that you were in Croke Park or that you listened to what will be the last final commentary of a legendary broadcaster.
"The quality and attraction of his commentaries on such a regular and consistent basis down through the years mean his lyrical descriptions are woven into the fabric of our games.
"His undimmed passion for football, hurling and camogie and all the trappings of our big occasions, have entertained the masses across the airwaves and have brought the action from Croke Park, Thurles, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Clones, Castlebar and so many other venues into homes and centres where Irish people gather right around the world.

"He is synonymous with the ebb and flow of our matches and the unique relationship he forged with both players and managers, who held him in such high regard, provided him with a unique insight.

"People often wondered on the retirement of Micheál Ó Hehir how he would be replaced in the commentary box? I think we are entitled to ponder over whom it is that will attempt to fill Micheál's shoes when his commentary duties end.

"Míle buíochas a Mhícíl agus go mairfidh tú an céad.'

phkk

jpt77 wrote: »

Hi folks,
I wrote in this forum earlier.
I just sent this to Des Cahill earlier. What do people think? Is it viable?

Dear Des,

like so many people I am so sad today about the imminent retirement of Mícheal ó Muircheartaigh. He has been such a part of my youth and my adulthood. However I do think that there is a great way of celebrating his unique skills which brought so much joy to so many. As a young lad I used to tape the all-Ireland day coverage on RTE radio. In 1991 I remember him comparing Paddy O'Rourke bounding out the field to a Sheep farmer in the Mournes and Michael Donnellan's great run in 1998 celebrated in 'A Year till Sunday'.
What about producing a CD or RTE link where we could listen to All of these All-Irelands, or the last 25 or some of the classic matches. There is a huge market outthere for this and could also raise some badly-needed funds for healthcare institutions.
Thanks for reading this email and best of luck in the future.

+1, great idea

deisedevil

jpt77 wrote: »

Hi folks,
I wrote in this forum earlier.
I just sent this to Des Cahill earlier. What do people think? Is it viable?

Dear Des,

like so many people I am so sad today about the imminent retirement of Mícheal ó Muircheartaigh. He has been such a part of my youth and my adulthood. However I do think that there is a great way of celebrating his unique skills which brought so much joy to so many. As a young lad I used to tape the all-Ireland day coverage on RTE radio. In 1991 I remember him comparing Paddy O'Rourke bounding out the field to a Sheep farmer in the Mournes and Michael Donnellan's great run in 1998 celebrated in 'A Year till Sunday'.
What about producing a CD or RTE link where we could listen to All of these All-Irelands, or the last 25 or some of the classic matches. There is a huge market outthere for this and could also raise some badly-needed funds for healthcare institutions.
Thanks for reading this email and best of luck in the future.

That is a fantastic idea. I would be first in line to buy that DVD and with prceeds going to charity it would be perfect. There are so many people I know who would buy a DVD like that it's unbelievable.

Good thinking!

Diabhal Beag

An absolute gent. Hope he enjoys his retirement.

SeaFields

Since it's his last All Ireland final would love to see the GAA invite him down from the press box to present sam to the winning captain.

Hope he has a long and enjoyable retirement.

dcr22B

Just had a thought from myself

Seeing as it's Micheal's last AI Final to commentate on, I will be watching the match on mute with Micheál's radio commentary instead of listening to either Ger Canning or Marty Morrissey.

Some people have probably been doing that for years!

Tea 1000

I've been doing that for years, however it was getting increasingly difficult! If you get RTE via Sky, then the radio will be about 2.5 seconds ahead. Which is really unwatchable. So what I had to do in the past was play Radio 1 from RTE.ie, which was about 4 seconds behind live, and over a second behind Sky, but then I'd pause Sky for a second to sync the two! An FM transmitter meant I'd get the RTE.ie feed on the stereo!
Over the top? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely! A great game is only three quarters complete without the voice of the greatest ever!
Luckily this year via RTE digital Terrestrial both the Radio and TV feeds were in sync, so it was easy, but alas this is the year he has decided to retire!

I think a fitting tribute would be for RTE to broadcast Radio 1 commentary on the TV for the final.

Daysha

Tea 1000 wrote: »

I've been doing that for years, however it was getting increasingly difficult! If you get RTE via Sky, then the radio will be about 2.5 seconds ahead. Which is really unwatchable. So what I had to do in the past was play Radio 1 from RTE.ie, which was about 4 seconds behind live, and over a second behind Sky, but then I'd pause Sky for a second to sync the two! An FM transmitter meant I'd get the RTE.ie feed on the stereo!
Over the top? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely! A great game is only three quarters complete without the voice of the greatest ever!
Luckily this year via RTE digital Terrestrial both the Radio and TV feeds were in sync, so it was easy, but alas this is the year he has decided to retire!

I think a fitting tribute would be for RTE to broadcast Radio 1 commentary on the TV for the final.

That's brilliant! I'm going to do the same on Sunday but what RTE really need to do is take a lot at this.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Let-Micheal-Commentate-on-TV-and-Radio-next-Sunday/139395019438501?ref=mf

What a class idea that is. Everyone join it and share it to everyone you know, I can't think of a more fitting tribute.

Browney7

The real sound of sunday. The big games on radio will never be the same again without him. I always pitied the people who would be co commentating with him. They would never be able to get a word in edgeways such is Micheal's enthusiasm and passion for the games he's watching. Will always remember many a car journey in the back of the car listening to him.

The way he can mix Gaeilge and English is what makes his commentary so unique and entertaining.

cambridge7

Like so many I've dreaded about this day. Always watched the game on tv with Michael belting out on the radio.For a man of his age and energy I salute him.
A passionate Gaelic games man.Passionate and true to his native tongue.
A passionate Irish man.
Happy retirement Michael.You will be sorely missed.

Royal Seahawk

Last year prior to the Meath Limerick football qualifier myself and a few lads arrived down about 3 hours early to have a couple of pints in the Portlaoise clubhouse beside O'Moore park. Unfortunatly the bar wasn't open yet so we decided to have a few cans near the clubhouse while we waited(tidying up afterwards of course!)
Micheal O'Muircheartaigh happened to be commentating on the game and also arrived early, walking by us as we tucked into our cans, much to our delight. A few of us said 'hello Micheal' and rather than turn his nose up at us or mumble a quick hello back he proceded to stop and chat to us, asking us where we were all from in Meath and what we thought of the upcoming game and the championship so far in general.
After about 20-25 minutes talking to us he then apologised and said he better get going to the press box to get set up etc. He shook all our hands, wished us the best of luck and a safe journey home.
For about two minutes after he left us we weren't saying a whole lot to each other but all thinking the same thing, what a man, what a legend, stopping for a good long chat with a few lads drinking cans outside a match.

I am genuinely upset by this news but I wish him all the best.

Long Term Louth

Royal Seahawk wrote: »

Last year prior to the Meath Limerick football qualifier myself and a few lads arrived down about 3 hours early to have a couple of pints in the Portlaoise clubhouse beside O'Moore park. Unfortunatly the bar wasn't open yet so we decided to have a few cans near the clubhouse while we waited(tidying up afterwards of course!)
Micheal O'Muircheartaigh happened to be commentating on the game and also arrived early, walking by us as we tucked into our cans, much to our delight. A few of us said 'hello Micheal' and rather than turn his nose up at us or mumble a quick hello back he proceded to stop and chat to us, asking us where we were all from in Meath and what we thought of the upcoming game and the championship so far in general.
After about 20-25 minutes talking to us he then apologised and said he better get going to the press box to get set up etc. He shook all our hands, wished us the best of luck and a safe journey home.
For about two minutes after he left us we weren't saying a whole lot to each other but all thinking the same thing, what a man, what a legend, stopping for a good long chat with a few lads drinking cans outside a match.

I am genuinely upset by this news but I wish him all the best.

At last Seahawk we do agree :eek: on something

yop

A tingle of sadness shivered through when I heard that today, never met the man but nearly every Sunday for over 30 years I have listened to him with either my grandad or father;
His descriptions and way with words were uncanny, you could get the man to narrate the full English syllabus and we would all get A's

Its brings to a close a generation for many of us.

That idea with dual commentary is cracking, can't see it happen though!!!

Nevermind_

Like others have said I genuinely dreaded that this day would come.
Radio and the Gaa will never be the same again for me.
An absolute legend of a man i was lucky enough to meet a few times.
I wish him all the best, we will never be blessed with a commentator like him again.
His lyrical almost storytelling brand of commentary just cant be taught.
All GAA fans will miss him dearly.
Thanks for the memories Micheal

Flukey

I heard about this a few months ago from a person in RTE, and I mentioned it in one of the threads on commentators. So for those of you keeping an eye on the GAA forum, it is not news. Anyway, it is a pity he is going. As we said in that thread, there is absolutely no one that can even come close to replacing him. We were fortunate when Michael O'Hehir went, because we had a great commentator to replace him, but now there is no one to take on the job. It will be a major loss, the end of an era, one that we can never have anything like again.

FatherTed

Micheal was brilliant. He always made what I'm sure was a boring game to be one of great excitment. I remember he said one day - "The First Half was even but the Second Half is even better".

flahavaj

Ah lord, gutted to hear this. I thought he'd never retire.

All political parties in this country should nominate him in unison for President.

aDeener

Flukey wrote: »

I heard about this a few months ago from a person in RTE, and I mentioned it in one of the threads on commentators. So for those of you keeping an eye on the GAA forum, it is not news. Anyway, it is a pity he is going. As we said in that thread, there is absolutely no one that can even come close to replacing him. We were fortunate when Michael O'Hehir went, because we had a great commentator to replace him, but now there is no one to take on the job. It will be a major loss, the end of an era, one that we can never have anything like again.

+1000

ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís

ShamoBuc

aDeener wrote: »

+1000

ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís

Cinnte !! Legend... simple as.

mfceiling

Can't really add to anything more that has been said.
Sundays in the car with the radio on, the sun shining and eating an ice lolly with "that" voice commentating..........heaven...even the missus never complained about listening to games!!

A gentleman to the soles of his feet

scifi77

An absolute gent.:)

Hammer Archer

He'll be sorely missed on the airwaves. I'm also going to be muting the TV come Sunday and listen to the radio.
In a way though, I'm glad he was able to retire from commentating on his own terms, unlike Micheál O' Hehir.
I'm also struggling to think of a suitable replacement. No one could possibly match his vivid descriptions of a match.
I loved his commentary here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjy9guThsWU

:pac:

Leroy Lita

do any of ye have a you tube link to that GAA ad for All Ireland finals where Michael was the voice over.?
i would have been played at croke park before and there was trad music in the background

lg123

SeaFields wrote: »

Since it's his last All Ireland final would love to see the GAA invite him down from the press box to present sam to the winning captain.

Hope he has a long and enjoyable retirement.

there's an idea

Ephie

Leroy Lita wrote: »

do any of ye have a you tube link to that GAA ad for All Ireland finals where Michael was the voice over.?
i would have been played at croke park before and there was trad music in the background

The video clip they played for the 125 years celebration had his voice over to great games over the years, as far as I remember, if anyone has that?