LEGENDARY GAA commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh was described as the 'grandfather' to the nation as he was laid to rest in his native Co. Kerry on Saturday. Ó Muircheartaigh's coffin was draped in a Kerry flag as it was carried into St Mary's Church in Dingle.
While those gathered heard of Ó Muircheartaigh's love for the county, Fr Michael Moynihan explained how the commentator was also beloved far beyond the boundaries of the Kingdom. Meanwhile, Ó Muircheartaigh's son Aonghus said his father, renowned for his witty turn of phrase as a commentator, was just as jovial at home. "We lived in a house full of kindness and fun," he told those gathered.
Ó Muircheartaigh's funeral began with symbols of his life being brought to the altar, including a typewriter and microphone, a football and hurley and his teaching degree. Also among the items was a Kerry flag, and Fr Moynihan spoke of the broadcaster's love of the Kingdom, "Kerry held a special place in Micheál's heart, his love for this beautiful county was very evident," he said. "From its landscape to its people, from its history to its culture, Kerry was a source of joy and pride which was both genuine and inspiring.
" However, he said that the death of the 93-year-old, who passed away in Dublin's Mater Hospital on Tuesday, was felt far beyond Kerry. "The news was greeted with a great sense of sadness, it felt like the end of an era," he said. "It is evident that people across the country had a great fondness for.