Legendary broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh to receive prestigious Údarás na Gaeltachta ‘Lóchrann’ Award
Special recognition for the Kerry native from Dún Síon for his contribution to Sports, the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht.
The legendary broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh will be presented with the prestigious Údarás na Gaeltachta ‘Lóchrann’ award at this weekend’s All Ireland Gaeltacht Club Football Finals – Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta 2017. The Kerry native from Dún Síon has one of the most recognisable and beloved voices in sports countrywide after a long career commentating on Gaelic Games and Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta. This special recognition is being presented to Ó Muircheartaigh due to his endless support for Gaelic Games, Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta, the Irish language and the Gaeltacht culture from which he was borne on the picturesque Corca Dhuibhne peninsula.
Lóchrann (meaning beacon or guiding light) is a perpetual award which is proffered annually to recipients as recognition for their achievements in the promotion of sports in the Gaeltacht. The renowned Conamara artist, Pádraic Reaney designed and created the award. The Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta National Committee select the Údarás na Gaeltachta sponsored award recipient.
Steve Ó Cúláin, Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Chief Executive said “It is a matter of great joy and pride for us to sponsor this award and to present it to one of the true Gaeltacht and National heroes, our dear friend, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. We are delighted that he has been chosen by the Comórtas Peile National Committee to receive this special recognition for all he has done and achieved in promoting the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and Gaelic Games throughout the country and the world. Údarás na Gaeltachta is thrilled to support Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta again this year as we have done since its inception nearly 50 years ago.”
Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta 2017 is being held in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Tourmakeady) in County Mayo this weekend. GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl will perform the official opening on Friday and will be in attendance until Monday when the Junior and Senior All Ireland Titles are presented. Clubs from all corners of the Gaeltacht will compete during the weekend from Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Meath, Galway, Mayo and Donegal including Irish speaking teams from Dublin, Belfast and London. A range of cultural events will form part of the Comórtas Peile football festival also and it is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the shores of Lough Mask for the June Bank Holiday weekend.