TRIBUTES have been paid across Fermanagh to legendary and iconic GAA sports broadcaster Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh who passed away on Tuesday.
Mr Ó Muircheartaigh passed away peacefully at the Mater Hospital in Dublin, aged 93.
Over the years, the famous broadcaster formed a close friendship with George Beacom, manager of the Bawnacre Centre in Irvinestown.
“The sad news of the passing of legendary sports broadcaster Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was received with profound regret by staff in the Bawnacre who have many good memories of his visits and association with the Centre,” Mr Beacom said.
The pair attended matches together and phoned each other every three to four months, including chatting on Christmas night for the past 20 years.
“During Fermanagh’s successful run in the 2004 All Ireland senior football championship he visited the Centre to meet the players as part of his preparations for match commentary,” said Mr Beacom.
“He was the special guest at the Centre on April 3, 2014, when in the company of Councillor Alex Baird, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, he opened the new full-size 3G Gaelic football pitch.
“Later that night he celebrated with Bawnacre staff when he also opened the new main entrance doors to the building.
“He continued to visit the Centre whilst he attended the 100-year celebrations of [Irvinestown] St Molaise GAA Club and a prize night at St Michael’s College, Enniskillen.
“During all his visits he was greatly interested in the Bawnacre staff and its patrons,” he added.
Born in Dún Síon, just outside Daingean Uí Chúis (Dingle) in Kerry in 1930, the iconic sports commentator was loved throughout the county and synonymous with his coverage of Gaelic Games.
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