The voice of one of Ireland’s greatest ever commentators will certainly not be part of All-Ireland Finals from this Sunday. Michéál O’Muircheartaigh’s announcement of his intention to retire this weekend, came as a sad blow to many who have depended on his voice to take them to Croke Park when tickets or travel were not possible. His colour and passion poured through ever pore of our radio speakers and he brought alive every kick of the ball, every story of a player, player’s father, grandfather, dog and cat! He threw away greetings to listeners in Australia, America, England, Hong Kong – just a mention, that’s all that was needed. He lived the game, loved the game and so enjoyed sharing it. There’s no doubt he inspired passion in people and gave young players heart and hope that one day their names might re-echo the length and breadth of the globe as Michéal recounted their catching of the ball, soloing, scoring and rejoicing. What a gift?
The gift of a voice is central to the telling of a story. The commentary goes on. Someone will sit where he sat and find a new style but the game remains the same. New voices – the same game.
God needs commentators too? The Church needs them! Find (and use) your voice.
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A few quotes from a man worth qouting!!
Anthony Lynch the Cork corner back will be the last person to let you down – his people are undertakers.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
Pat Fox out to the forty and grabs the sliothar, I bought a dog from his father last week. Fox turns and sprints for goal, the dog ran a great race last Tuesday in Limerick. Fox to the 21 fires a shot, it goes to the left and wide… and the dog lost as well.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh
And Brian Dooher is down injured. And while he is, I’ll tell ye a little story. I was in Times Square in New York last week, and I was missing the Championship back home. So I approached a news stand and I said: “I suppose ye wouldn’t have The Kerryman, would ye?” To which the Egyptian behind the counter turned to me and he said: “Do you want the North Kerry edition or the South Kerry edition?”. He had both. So I bought both. And Dooher is back on his feet.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh
Sean Og O’Hailpin… his father’s from Fermanagh, his mother’s from Fiji, neither a hurling stronghold.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh
1-5 to 0-8… Well, from Lapland to the Antarctic, that’s level scores in any man’s language.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
I see John O Donnell dispensing water on the sideline. Tipperary, sponsored by a water company. Cork Sponsored by a tay (tea) company. I wonder will they meet later for afternoon tay.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
Danny “The Yank” Culloty. He came down from the mountains and hasn’t he done well.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
He kicks the ball ard san aer. Could’ve been a goal. Could’ve been a point…. It went wide.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
Stephen Byrne with the puck out for Offaly… Stephen, one of twelve … All but one are here to-day. The one that’s missing is Mary. She’s at home minding the house… And the ball is dropping i lár na páirce.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
Teddy McCarthy to John McCarthy, no relation, John McCarthy back to Teddy McCarthy, still no relation.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh
Teddy looks at the ball, the ball looks at Teddy.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh
He grabs the sliotar… he’s on the 50 … he’s on the 40 . . he’s on the 30 … he’s on the ground.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh
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! Forty yards out on the Hogan Stand side of the field Ciarán Whelan goes on a rampage, it’s a goal. So much for religion.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh
In the first half they played with the wind. In the second half they played with the ball.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh
And finally, a class piece of music and powerful lyric. ENJOY!!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL5MIKP5468&feature=related]
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