Taoiseach leads Dáil tributes to Jimmy Magee

The sports commentator died aged 82 after a short illness

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has described the late Jimmy Magee as "an iconic sports commentator''.

Magee died at the age of 82 after a short illness in hospital.

His death was announced by RTÉ on its Twitter account on Wednesday morning.

Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, the Taoiseach said Magee’s commentaries were legendary and based on a breadth of sporting knowledge that was peerless.

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“He was part of the fabric of Irish sport, lived and breathed, and would talk and reminisce and recall sport with anyone and everyone,’’ he added.

“And though his voice may now be silent, the wonderful memories brought to us by ‘the Memory Man’ himself will live on forever.’’

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he had listened to Jimmy Magee's commentaries since the late 1960s.

He had been known as “Memory Man’’ because of his knowledge of all sports.

“He was a great quizmaster down through the years involving many sporting clubs,’’ he added.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin said he had brought enlightenment and entertainment to many people and he would be missed.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said his like would not be seen again.

Michael O'Regan

Michael O'Regan

Michael O’Regan is a former parliamentary correspondent of The Irish Times