A broadcaster and sports commentator, best known for covering Gaelic games and horse racing, Michael O'Hehir gave his first commentary on 14 August 1938, when Galway defeated Monaghan in the All-Ireland Football Semi-Final. His voice was to become synonymous with radio coverage of hurling and football, and his broadcasts were important to the thousands of people who gathered around radio sets in the 1940s and 1950s in Ireland and abroad. He covered major GAA matches from 1938 until 1985, when illness prevented him from covering his 100th All-Ireland final.
O'Hehir began commentating on horse racing in 1947, and went on to work for the BBC and ABC in America. He was appointed Head of Sports Programmes when RTÉ established a television service in 1961.
O'Hehir's skills as a commentator took him in a different direction in November 1963. A trip to New York with his wife coincided with the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The responsibility to comment on the funeral on behalf of Telefís Éireann fell to O'Hehir and his coverage won him praise in both Ireland and the US.
On a 'Late Late Show' special, Michael O'Hehir tells Gay Byrne about his audition to be a commentator while still at school, and about advice he got from the BBC's Tommy Woodroffe on practising in the bath.
Production Year
1975
Contributor
Michael O'Hehir
Gay Byrne
MICHAEL O'HEHIR
"Give Me Five Minutes More!"
The problems encountered by Michael O'Hehir when broadcasting the 1947 All-Ireland Football final from New York.
Production Year
1976
Contributor
Michael O'Hehir
MICHAEL O'HEHIR
"Oh, What A Game!"
Michael O'Hehir discusses the special relationship he has with his listeners.
Production Year
1976
Contributor
Michael O'Hehir
MICHAEL O'HEHIR
"...With All this Mayhem, Foinavon Has Gone off on His Own"
Michael O'Hehir picks out Foinavon who goes on to win the race.
