AFTER 62 seasons of powerful sporting commentaries full of legendary wit and intelligence, Micheal O Muircheartaigh has announced that this Sunday’s All-Ireland Football Final will be his last. A national institution described as “one part commentator, two parts seanachai”, whose voice is synonymous with the Irish summer, Micheal said: “There is only a while in everything” and that he wants to go while he still enjoys it. He will, however, continue to contribute to RTE Radio on a regular basis and will be in the commentary box for the international rules series with Australia in October.
The above was excerpted from the Irish Independent (read complete article here)
For the early part of his broadcasting career Ó Muircheartaigh commentated on Minor GAA matches, in the Irish language. He also replaced the legendary Micheál O’Hehir when he was not available to commentate. Eventually when O’Hehir was forced to retire in the mid-1980s Ó Muircheartaigh took over as the station’s premier radio commentator. He developed his own inimitable style of commentary and his accent is unmistakably that of a native Irish speaker. He is a true lover of Gaelic Athletic Association and it is reflected in the enthusiasm he brings to matches. His unusual turn of phrase has made him a much loved broadcaster and often imitated character. He has become legendary in Ireland for his unusual turns of phrase in the heat of the moment while commentating. Today he commentates on RTÉ Radio 1. In 2004 he published his autobiography, ‘From Dún Sion to Croke Park’. He is also the main commentator in the Gaelic Games.
The above was excerpted from Wikipedia (read complete article here)