The famous GAA commentator passed away this week at the age of 93, after a long and decorated career in sports broadcasting.The Kerry native was also laid to rest in Dingle on Friday.
Every household in Ireland, regardless of whether they were fans of hurling or Gaelic football, was familiar with his voice and passion for the game.
Many tributes have been paid to the Kerry legend all week by numerous people in Ireland and across the world. It's clear that the "voice of the GAA" left a great impression on many who heard and knew him.
Dowling, an All-Ireland winner with Limerick, also paid his own special tribute to Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.
Writing in his Mirror column, the 31-year-old said before his funeral in Dingle on Friday, "Anyone of a GAA background with a media platform has had their say on the late, great Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh this week.
"Although his legend is enormous, I was still struck by a particular detail on his death notice. He will repose from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. today. I have never known a wake to last for nine hours or anything like it.
"And yet it’s entirely understandable given the breadth of people that will want to attend because of the man he was.
"It’s fairly safe to say that we will never, ever see his likes again."
“The final whistle” 🤍
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh 1930-2024
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/qaNv35rIEc— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) June 25, 2024
Every Irish person in the modern era would have recognised his voice from the growing TV stations, but for a time, there were fewer TVs available. The only medium to access games was through live radio on RTE.
Dowling gave an insight into what that was like for people growing up without the popularity of televisions. The former Limerick man also recounted an encounter he had with the sports broadcasting legend in his earlier years.
"I grew up in an era where all the big games were live on TV. Tuning into the wireless as a 12-year-old in the mid-2000s wasn’t the done thing, so for that reason, he resonates with older generations more than mine, he added.
"And yet, people my age and younger truly appreciate his greatness, and that’s saying something."
"I met him just once when Na Piarsaigh staged a competition, part of which was a quiz for which Micheál was putting the questions. Needless to say, it sold out in no time.
"He is not just a GAA icon but a national icon, respected by all rather than some.
"Rest in peace, Micheál. As you said so often, the final whistle has blown, but what a legacy you’ve left behind."
