Ó Muircheartaigh To Give Final Word On All Ireland

RTÉ broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh is to make this Sunday’s All-Ireland football final his last from the commentary box.

The popular commentator from County Kerry has announced his retirement after a career in radio spanning over 60 years.

The 80-year-old from Dun Sion in An Daingean, will call the crucial Croke Park game on Sunday, where Down take on Cork in the All Ireland final. He will also be in the booth for the International Rules series in October before hanging up his microphone.

Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny TD, this morning paid tribute to Micheál saying he is the voice and the heart of the GAA.

"Micheál truly embodies the word 'legend'," he said.

Martin became a favourite among GAA fans for his unusual turns of phrase, for which he became famous and often imitated.

The more famous of his phrases include: "Colin Corkery on the 45 lets go with the right boot. It's over the bar. This man shouldn't be playing football. He's made an almost Lazarus-like recovery from a heart condition. Lazarus was a great man but he couldn't kick points like Colin Corkery."

As well as: "I saw a few Sligo people at Mass in Gardiner Street this morning and the omens seem to be good for them, the priest was wearing the same colours as the Sligo jersey! 40 yards out on the Hogan Stand side of the field Ciarán Whelan goes on a rampage, it's a goal. So much for religion."

One of his other loved quotes is: "Teddy looks at the ball, the ball looks at Teddy."

Martin first began commentating for RTÉ in 1949, working in the Gaeilge language. He worked as a school teacher of economics, accountancy and Irish in both primary and secondary schools throughout Dublin until the 1980s before going full time as a commentator.

In 2004 he published his autobiography, 'From Dún Sion to Croke Park', in which he wrote much on his love for the game and of the Gaelic tongue. He celebrated his 80th birthday last month.

Paying tribute today, Enda Kenney said: "Generation after generation involved in the GAA loved his commentary and respect for him knows no age limits or country borders. "His breathtaking commentary is listened to the world over but his work at home spreads far beyond broadcasting. His decades working as a teacher and advocate for gaelscoileanna shows a man who loved his community and cared for those around him.

"I wish him the very best on his retirement and hope he enjoys it with his wife Helen and their wonderful children and grandchildren."

(DW)