Tributes to friend and visitor to Kilkenny, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, who has died

Tributes have been paid to a friend of Kilkenny, the legendary GAA Commentator, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, who died today.

He was a regular visitor to Kilkenny, where his cousin, Cathnia Ó Muircheartaigh, is Principal of Coláiste Pobail Osraí. He was guest of honour at the 30th anniversary celebrations of Gaelscoil Osraí. Local councillor Seán Ó hArgáin, former Uachtarán of Gaeloideachas, has said his death has left the country in mourning, but also in celebration of a unique person.

Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin, former Mayor of Kilkenny and former Uachtarán of Gaeloideachas has said that the loss of legendary commentator, teacher, Kerryman and Irish language activist, has left the country in mourning but also in celebration of the unique person who truly became a national treasure.

"I was lucky to get to know Micheál as a young teacher in Dublin and to have known him for the thirty five years since then. From the minute I met him at an Irish language function, I knew I was in the presence of a truly special and unique individual," he said.

"Micheál radiated positivity about our language, the importance of education and of course his incredible celebration of the role of Gaelic Games in our culture and society. He was the voice of our culture for a generation or more. Most importantly, he was a truly decent and kind individual who made everyone in his company feel special and important."

Micheál was one of the first Uachtaráin of Gaelscoileanna and played a crucial role in the early development of Irish language medium education in Dublin and throughout the country.

"I was proud to follow Cathnia in holding that office in recent years. Micheál never forgot his roots as a teacher and believed passionately in the role of teachers as a force for good, and particular in the promotion of the Irish language," said Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin.

"Of course, all of us who love Gaelic Games adored Micheál’s vibrant, knowledgeable and entertaining commentary on our games. He became the voice of the nation after taking over from his own hero, Micheál Ó hEithir, and he had a huge grá for Kilkenny hurling, maybe almost as big as his love for the Kingdom, when it came to the big ball!

"My last meeting with Micheál was in Áras an Uachtaráin a few short years ago, where he joined the Irish language community for a special day of celebration with President Michael D Higgins, a special friend of his also."

Cllr Ó hArgáin said that hundreds of scéalta and anecdotes will be shared in coming days about Micheál and extended his sympathies to Micheál’s eight children, siblings and wider family, particularly to his cousin Cathnia in Kilkenny.