Taoiseach reacts to death of former RTÉ GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh

An Taoiseach Simon Harris has given a statement following the death of the former RTÉ GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh who has died in hospital aged 93.

Mr Harris said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I today learned of the death of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

"The word "legend" gets used too often, but for Mícheál, it is almost not enough.

"His voice, his colour, his excitement, his love of sport, his turn of phrase were often as exhilarating as the action he was describing on the pitch as the audience held its breath for what Mícheál would say next.

"He also had a humour you could not learn, “Teddy McCarthy to Mick McCarthy, no relation, Mick McCarthy back to Teddy McCarthy, still no relation.”

"For a generation of the Irish diaspora, Mícheál was also a treasured link and the voice of home as they listened to GAA across the world.

"In person, he was a gentleman to his fingertips and filled a room with a quiet and dignified aura.

"May he rest in peace," concluded the Taoiseach.