Micheal O’Hehir (1920 – 1996)

£49.50

Micheal O’Hehir became a household name in homes all over Ireland because of his unique style of commentary on Gaelic games. His first commentary was on the 14th of August 1938, when he covered the All-Ireland football semi-final in Mullingar between Galway and Monaghan. The anticipation of match broadcasts in pre-television days became an integral pat of Irish society in the forties and fifties in particular. It was a time when the house with a wireless set became the focal point in the local community as neighbours gathered to hear the broadcasts. Micheal O Hehir became the eyes for thousands of Irish people, as his colourful commentary and instant identification of the players and team officials captured the excitement of Croke Park for a whole nation. Later, when television became a more popular medium, Micheal made the seamless transition from radio to television and enhanced viewing pleasure for fans of Gaelic Games. Shortly before Michael O’Hehir was due to complete his one-hundredth commentary on an All-Ireland Final, he became ill. Ireland’s most famous commentator died in 1997. In his autobiography published in 1996, Micheal ends the final chapter with a quote from the actor Bob Hope – “Thanks for the memories”. Many an Irish Gael will empathise with that quote when recalling the commentaries of the legendary Michael O’Hehir. Published in a single limited edition of 850 worldwide, each print is individually numbered and signed by Brian O’Flaherty, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist.

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