Sport

Irish journalism mourns the passing of Micheál McGeary

Miche&aacute;l McGeary pictured with then GAA president Christy Cooney at the 2010 McNamee Award presentations<br />Picture by Sportsfile
Micheál McGeary pictured with then GAA president Christy Cooney at the 2010 McNamee Award presentations
Picture by Sportsfile
Micheál McGeary pictured with then GAA president Christy Cooney at the 2010 McNamee Award presentations
Picture by Sportsfile

THE world of Irish journalism was dealt a major blow with the passing of “an inspiration and a true gentleman’’, Micheál McGeary.

The veteran reporter, from Maghery in his beloved county Armagh, died at the weekend at the Craigavon Area Hospital after a short illness. The 68-year-old covered many sports with distinction during a lifetime in journalism.

He was, for many years, the chief Irish News GAA journalist under the then sports editor PJ McKeefry, before moving on to the newly-formed Sunday Life newspaper in 1988, where he excelled in GAA and rugby coverage.

Ulster GAA Council secretary Danny Murphy said on Sunday that, for decades, Micheál “was one of the best known and most widely-read Gaelic sports journalists, setting a standard that led to the expanded coverage we enjoy today’’.

Irish News editor Noel Doran said: “Micheál was one of the leading GAA journalists of his era and he made a massive contribution to The Irish News throughout his time here.

“He reported with great distinction on many sports, but his passion was always for Gaelic games, with a particular affection for his native Armagh. Micheál will be sadly missed by all his friends at The Irish News and our thoughts are with his family.”

Irish News sports editor Thomas Hawkins fondly recalled many good times in Micheál’s company, adding he was a great journalist and friend over many years: “He was an inspiration to many people during his career in journalism, always very knowledgeable on many sports and he had a great way with him, always a bit of craic about him.

“He was a true gentleman, his loss will be greatly felt.’’

Former Armagh GAA star Stevie McDonnell recorded his tribute to Micheál on Twitter: “Sorry to hear of the death of journalist Michael McGeary. Many fond memories of him interviewing me down through the years.’’

He is survived by his wife Olive and his daughters Olive, Susan and Sarah. His funeral will take place on Monday at Our Lady Queen of Peace chapel in Maghery at 11am.