The funeral of Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, held in St Mary’s Church in Dingle, Co Kerry, had many remember him as a titan of Irish broadcasting, his unique voice etched into the memory of citizens. He was dubbed the “High King” of Irish broadcasting by his close friend and Radio na Gaeltachta commentator, Micheál Ó Sé, who addressed the large assembly of funeral-goers on Saturday. Mr Ó Sé compared Mr Ó Muircheartaigh’s flair for broadcasting to that of an exceptional artist, saying, “The microphone he held was as if a masterful painter held a brush.”
Throughout the funeral, there were numerous homages paid to the contributions made by Mr Ó Muircheartaigh—in not just the domains of broadcasting and education, but also as an advocate for the Irish language, family values, and his commendable qualities of modesty, altruism, and benevolence.
Aonghus, the oldest of Mr Ó Muircheartaigh’s eight children, spoke about their family home filled with joy and kindness by his parents: his father and his mother, Helena who he had been married to for 54 years. He noted their father’s wanderlust, saying, “Bíonn siúlach scéalach (The wayfarer has tales to tell).” He recalled his father’s love for their hometown, Dún Síon, and the road trips that the children were fortunate to join.
Echoing their father’s love for his birthplace, Kerry and Dún Síon, Aonghus shared an old family story: how his father had been transported from Dún Síon to St Mary’s Church for baptism by horse and cart by his father and godmother, Mary Quinn, after he was afflicted with pneumonia shortly after birth. Nostalgically, Aonghus expressed what his family must have felt that day, nearly 94 years ago. They could never have foreseen the remarkable life that lay ahead – broadcasting for over six decades, meeting US leaders, interviewing members of British royalty about a dog, taking global trips, and being warmly accepted in every household and Irish club.
The lead officiant at the Mass was Canon Michael Moynihan, with Bishop Raymond Browne and An tAthair Séamus Mac an tSíthigh as co-officiants. In his sermon, Canon Moynihan reflected on an ancient Chinese adage: “The death of an elderly person signifies the burning of a library.”
The profundity of this quote resonates as today we honour the exceptional life of Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. We had the privilege of sharing in his life for 93 years. Looking back on his journey, we see a life characterised by fervour, dedication, and an unwavering appreciation for the Irish language, education, sports, and culture- all of which he infused into every aspect of his life.
Mícheál’s deep affection for the Irish language served as a testament to his profound love for our culture and history, establishing him as a true steward of our linguistic legacy.”
His family, consisting of his wife Helena and their eight children: Éamonn, Niamh, Aonghus, Cormac, Neasa, Nuala, Éadaoin agus Doireann, and his grandchildren, were the principal mourners. His sisters, Kathleen and Máire, also attended, along with his siblings who predeceased him: Pádraig, Náis, Dónal, Siobhán, and Eibhlín.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin paid his respects at the funeral on Saturday, joined by the Minister for Education Norma Foley, MEP for South of Ireland Billy Kelleher, Senator Timmy Dooley, and the Kerry Council chair, Breandán Fitzgerald. Prime Minister Simon Harris attended the evening viewing on Friday for Mr Ó Muirchearthaigh and was represented at the funeral by his Aide-de-Camp, Comdt Claire Mortimer. Honouring on behalf of President Michael D Higgins was Aide-de-Camp Captain Tom Bell.
Upon arriving at the church, the Deputy Prime Minister lauded the immense contribution that Mr Ó Muircheartaigh had made to the Irish language. He noted his irresistible, easily understood, lyrical Irish voice, calling it an auditory poem. The Deputy Prime Minister arrived with modest intentions, to acknowledge this man’s impact on Irish society and life, said Mr. Martin.
Several of Kerry’s past footballers were in attendance, forming a guard of honour outside the church. This group included ex-MP Jimmy Deenihan, Darragh Ó Sé, John Kennedy, Dermot Hanafin, Sean Walsh, Vincent O’Connor, Mick O’Shea, Liam Hassett, Vincent ‘Shin’ O’Connor and Dara Ó Cinnéide, the broadcaster for Raidió na Gaeltachta. Irish-language broadcasters such as Seán Ban Breathnach, Gearóid Mac Donncha and Pádraig Ó Sé were also present.
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was represented by its President, Jarlath Burns and the chair of Kerry GAA, Patrick Sullivan, along with its former secretary general, Liam Mulvihill. Noteworthy attendees also included the ex-president of the University of Galway, Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, who is Mr Ó Muircheartaigh’s cousin. He reminisced about his first experience of All Ireland in Croke as a child during the late 1950s. He was situated in the commentator’s box, sandwiched between Mr Ó Muircheartaigh and Micheál Ó hEithir.
At the mass, a Corca Dhuibhne singer, Muireann Nic Amhlaidh delivered ‘Beir mo Dhúthracht’. The Galway musician, Síle Denvir performed Ag Críost an Síol, while Iarla Ó Lionáird, a singer from Cúil Aodha, delivered both Amhrán an Gleanna and Mo Ghile Mear. Additionally, Ms Denvir showcased her prowess on the harp, accompanied by Barry Kerr on uilleann pipes and Gerry O’Beirne on guitar.
Mr Ó Sé, in his entirely Gaelic address, noted his proximity throughout numerous matches to Mr Ó Muircheartaigh, who was famed for his commentary. He spoke fondly of how Ó Muircheartaigh’s passion was thoroughly alive on significant occasions with large, energised crowds. His commentating abilities were unparalleled, getting a boost from the crowd’s vibrant energy.
His heritage and mother tongue were a source of pride for Ó Muircheartaigh. His heart was particularly endeared by the games that brought him so much joy. He demonstrated his love for these games in a manner that granted his radio listeners as much contentment as he himself gleaned.
In his speech, Mr Ó Sé utilised the metaphor of a ‘ball seirce’, a facial mark in Irish lore on the mythological figure Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, known for his irresistible appeal to women. In the same vein, Ó Sé likened Muircheartaigh’s enchanting combination of a distinct Dún Síon accent, wittiness, and eloquence to a ‘ball seirce’, pulling listeners towards their radios for his admirable commentary.
Following the funeral Mass, Mr Ó Muircheartaigh was laid to rest at St Brendan’s Cemetery, situated in Dingle.