Born in Dún Síon, near Daingean Uí Chúis (Dingle), Co. Kerry, in 1930, Mr. Ó Muircheartaigh initially worked as a teacher.

His broadcasting career began with an all-Irish commentary for RTÉ during the 1949 Railway Cup Final on St. Patrick’s Day. He continued teaching until the mid-1980s, when he transitioned to being a full-time broadcaster with RTÉ.

Starting in 1956, he provided English-language commentaries on RTÉ radio, and from the beginning of television coverage in 1962, he also covered All-Ireland Minor Semi-Finals and Finals in both hurling and football in Irish for over 25 years.

Throughout his 60-year career, his voice became synonymous with Gaelic games. When Mícheál O’Hehir retired in the mid-1980s, Ó Muircheartaigh succeeded him as RTÉ’s leading commentator.

His last All-Ireland final commentary was Cork’s victory over Down.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin remarked that Ó Muircheartaigh’s voice would be forever cherished.

“He was an iconic figure in Irish broadcasting, especially in sports, known for his extraordinary knowledge and incredible attention to detail,” Mr. Martin said.

“He had a beautiful voice, and for many of us who grew up with sport, he was the voice. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh could bring even the dullest games to life with his anecdotal stories about the families and people behind the great sporting headlines.