Respects paid to broadcasting giants

Respects were paid to journalist Tommie Gorman and GAA broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh at a recent meeting of Waterford councillors.

Both men passed away on Tuesday, June 25, prompting tributes from across the country in honour of their years of service to Irish broadcasting.

Just days before his passing, Mr Gorman spoke at the Immrama Festival of Travel Writing in Lismore about his memoir, 'Never Better: My Life in Our Times'. Festival organisers have sent their deepest condolences to Tommie’s family, friends and colleagues.

Originally from Co Sligo, he was RTÉ’s European correspondent and later the broadcaster’s Northern Editor. He had a long and well-documented battle against cancer.

Legendary Gaelic games commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was 93 when he died last week. The Kerry native was the voice of Gaelic games at RTÉ for many years, commentating games in both Irish and English. 

At last week's Dungarvan and Lismore Council AGM, councillors observed a minute's silence, a motion which was introduced by Cllr John Pratt (Labour).

Cllr Pratt commented, “Two phenomenal and well-known people and I think it would be nice if you don’t mind to have a minute's silence for both of them."

Cathaoirleach of the district, Cllr Pat Nugent (FG) added a personal anecdote relating to an interaction he shared with Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

“What a legend,” Cllr Nugent said.

“He always did huge preparation on teams and their background and I’ll always remember when I was in school in Limerick around 1973 he gave me a lift from the Gaelic field. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. What a legend he is and as is Tommie Gorman.”