VETERAN Irish sports broadcaster and journalist Jimmy Magee has died at the age of 82.
He had been ill for some time.
Known as the Memory Man, Mr Magee was one of Ireland’s longest-serving sports commentators having joined RTÉ in 1956.
He also worked for Channel 4 and UTV in the mid 90s.
Born in New York to Irish parents in 1935 he returned to Ireland with his parents as a baby and was raised in Co. Louth.
In his early years he also worked in a full-time clerical post in British Rail before going on to concentrate fully on sport.
He commentated on 12 World Cups and 11 Olympic Games, including Katie Taylor’s victory fight at the London 2012 Games.
He covered his first World Cup for radio in 1966.
One of his most recognisable soundbites was ‘Different class! Different class!’ following Maradona’s goals against England in the 1986 World Cup.
He also co-hosted the quiz show Know Your Sport on RTÉ Television alongside George Hamilton from 1987 to 1998.
Former Ireland defender Paul McGrath has been among those to pay tribute to the broadcaster.
Sad to hear the news of Jimmys passing. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. What a gentleman of Irish sport #legend pic.twitter.com/1UoUlihkSH
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) September 20, 2017
Jimmy Magee #rip another gone from the sound track of our youth. Unbelievably supportive, always positive, different class..
— Ryle Nugent (@RyleNugentRTE) September 20, 2017
RIP Jimmy Magee. Our song was "Seven Spanish Angels"... the best travel companion ever. A pure rogue for the Craic.❤️ pic.twitter.com/PNJL9BlGaf
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) September 20, 2017
Sad news to hear that Jimmy Magee has passed away. One of the best commentators of Irish sport ever RIPJimmy ?
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) September 20, 2017
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