THEY WERE TWO of Ireland’s most recognisable voices and Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh has paid special tribute to his former RTÉ colleague Bill O’Herlihy.
O’Herlihy’s sudden passing last month was met with universal grief and having worked with ‘Billo’ at the state broadcaster for decades, Ó Muircheartaigh knew him better than most.
During Ó Muircheartaigh’s 61-year broadcasting career at RTÉ, he would have worked with countless talented colleagues but he admits O’Herlihy was special.
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“I knew Bill for years” he said. “He used to be involved in the promotion of Feile na NGael, the U14 hurling, camogie, handball and all that.
“We used to have lots of meetings and we had great fun always.
“He was a great man, not to prolong a meeting but to prolong the aftermath of a meeting.
“He was very good, a lovely character and I met him quite recently and he was good. But that’s the way.”
Ó Muircheartaigh retired from RTÉ in 2010 but at the age of 85, remains as passionate about GAA as ever and equally as busy too.
“Well, I’m involved with a lot of things,” he said. “In a way I didn’t retire because I was always going to see a game. But I happened to be broadcasting as well.
“The game was the attraction and I’m going to as many games if not more. So I’m not away from the scene, so there isn’t a huge change.
“I’m involved with a lot of things, I’m involved with the Cairde Ide, I’m involved with the Special Olympics, I’m involved with the Kerry sports partnership.
“I think it’s better be busy anyway than doing nothing.”
'Bill wouldn't prolong a meeting but would prolong the aftermath of it - he was special'
THEY WERE TWO of Ireland’s most recognisable voices and Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh has paid special tribute to his former RTÉ colleague Bill O’Herlihy.
O’Herlihy’s sudden passing last month was met with universal grief and having worked with ‘Billo’ at the state broadcaster for decades, Ó Muircheartaigh knew him better than most.
During Ó Muircheartaigh’s 61-year broadcasting career at RTÉ, he would have worked with countless talented colleagues but he admits O’Herlihy was special.
“I knew Bill for years” he said. “He used to be involved in the promotion of Feile na NGael, the U14 hurling, camogie, handball and all that.
“We used to have lots of meetings and we had great fun always.
“He was very good, a lovely character and I met him quite recently and he was good. But that’s the way.”
Ó Muircheartaigh retired from RTÉ in 2010 but at the age of 85, remains as passionate about GAA as ever and equally as busy too.
“Well, I’m involved with a lot of things,” he said. “In a way I didn’t retire because I was always going to see a game. But I happened to be broadcasting as well.
“I’m involved with a lot of things, I’m involved with the Cairde Ide, I’m involved with the Special Olympics, I’m involved with the Kerry sports partnership.
“I think it’s better be busy anyway than doing nothing.”
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was in Chicago as part of Kerry GAA’s hugely successful US fundraiser which set out to raise funds for the building of Centre of Excellence and training facility at Currans.
For more information please visit Kerry GAA Supporters Group Chicago on Facebook and Twitter.
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