Muircheartaigh honoured as hundreds of mourners gather to pay final respects

HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to pay their respects to GAA icon Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh this evening in West Kerry.

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

The iconic broadcaster GAA and RTE broadcaster, who retired in 2010, is reposing at O’Connor’s Funeral Home in his hometown today, ahead of an 11am funeral mass at St Mary’s Church in the town.

And hundreds from far and wide arrived in the small town to pay their final respects to the beloved commentator, along with locals from the area.

Taoiseach Simon Harris, RTE star Marty Morrissey, TD Michael Healy Rae and former GAA player Mikey Sheehy were among those mourners who attended the funeral home.

Just last night, as a mark of respect, players from GAA clubs from the Tralee area could be seen standing as the hearse passed Blennerville Bridge on it’s way into Dingle.

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

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

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.

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.

RIP Michael.