Citation: Mr. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh (Sports)

Micheál O Muircheartaigh is the country's best-known Gaelic games commentator.  His recognisable voice has become synonymous with Gaelic games for generations of fans and GAA supporters.  A native Irish speaker, Mícheál has a huge interest in the promotion and development of the Irish language and has played a major part at national level in this regard.

Micheál was born in 1930 in Dun Sion, near Dingle, Co. Kerry.   Micheál was educated in the Presentation Convent and the Christian Brothers School in Dingle, at Colaiste Iosagain in Baile Bhuirne, Co. Cork, and at UCD. 

He enjoyed a successful career as a primary and secondary school teacher for many years. However,  his love of sport and his love of language led him inevitably into journalism, and his friend Con Houlihan once wrote Micheal was destined for fame from early life. 

Micheal's broadcasting career began quietly in 1949 during his days in St Pat's in Drumcondra when Radio Eireann looked for someone to do occasional commentaries as gaeilge.

As everybody knows Mícheál has his own original style of commentating and it is this remarkable talent which allows him to turn every match into an epic tale which endears him to all. His encyclopaedic knowledge of Gaelic games is renowned and it is well known that when Mícheál is commentating many people prefer to watch the game on T.V. while listening to his radio commentary.

His unique commentary style landed him with the job in RTÉ, where he has been ever since. In those  years Michael has established himself as RTÉ's main commentator for both Hurling and Gaelic football and is recognised by many as the voice of the game.

Mícheál has also had a life-long interest in greyhound racing and regularly commentated on the sport on both radio and television. He once owned a greyhound in partnership with Prince Edward which got to the final of the English Derby.

Mícheál supports a wide range of charities and most recently participated in a building project for the Niall Mellon Township Trust in South Africa.  
Mícheál has published two best selling books,. 'From Dun Sion to Croke Park.' and 'From Borroloola to Mangerton Mountain'.  For his lifetime achievements and promotion of the Irish language, he has received numerous awards. 

The award of Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Technology, Tralee is a fitting recognition of Micheál O Muircheartaigh success in broadcasting.