Legendary RTE GAA commentator O Muircheartaigh makes his final journey home

ICONIC GAA commentator Micheal O Muircheartaigh‘s hearse has made it’s way to his home of Kerry before he’s laid to rest.

The legendary Dingle native sadly passed away in the Mater Hospital in Dublin on Tuesday morning.

The iconic broadcaster, who retired in 2010, will repose at O’Connor’s Funeral Home in his hometown of Dingle on Friday, ahead of an 11am funeral mass at St Mary’s Church in the town.

As a mark of respect, players from GAA clubs from the Tralee area could be seen standing as he passes Blennerville Bridge, which is know as the gateway to West Kerry.

Mícheal leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of over 50 years Helena McDowell, and his eight children.

The well-known pundit was previously hailed as the “voice of Gaelic games” after a commentating career that spanned six decades.

He was well-known for his accent, unique style of commentary, unusual turn of phrase and enthusiasm for GAA, with many listeners endeared by his command of language, both Irish and English.

The Kerry man, who was born in Dun Sion near Dingle in 1930, worked as a teacher before taking on his first assignment for RTE.

Tributes flooded in from far and wide after news of the GAA and RTE icon’s death was made public.

He also replaced Micheal O’Hehir when he was unavailable to commentate. 

When O’Hehir retired in 1985, Mr O Muircheartaigh took over as RTE Radio 1’s premier radio commentator.

He announced his retirement from broadcasting in September 2010, with the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final being the last game he ever commentated on.

In late October of that year, it was confirmed that the second International Rules test at Croke Park would be the GAA icon’s final broadcast as commentator.

He undertook the final job alongside RTE pundit Bernard Flynn and ended his broadcasting career after 62 years in the business.