HE RATED last year’s All-Ireland hurling decider the best he had seen when he retired, and last night well-known commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh was presented with a permanent reminder of that classic match.
The long-serving broadcaster received an honorary fellowship from Waterford Institute of Technology and, to mark the occasion, was given a painting depicting Tipperary’s unexpected win. The piece was the handiwork of Kilkenny artist Marley Irish who has spent the last two years depicting scenes from the hurling fields.
The honours bestowed on Mr Ó Muircheartaigh coincided with the official opening by GAA president Christy Cooney of a new €10 million sports centre at Carriganore on the western campus of Waterford Institute of Technology.
Retired from broadcasting since last September, Mr Ó Muircheartaigh remains busy, he said, with a number of pursuits including a lifelong love of watching sport. “There’s no difference yet because I’m going to the matches anyway,” he said when asked if life was quieter since his departure from the airwaves.