Ireland has been blessed with many outstanding broadcasters but, in sporting terms, Jimmy Magee, who died yesterday at the age of 82, was in a league all of his own.
His amazing blend of unrestrained enthusiasm and enormous knowledge brought viewers to the heart of the action at 12 World Cups, 11 Olympic Games, and a range of other major competitions.
Mr Magee had a particular passion for boxing, but, regardless of the code, his gift was conveying the sense of excitement and achievement associated with top level success for performers from any part of Ireland.
He was a unique and enduring figure, and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar put it well when he said yesterday that, for many Irish people, Mr Magee's voice was the soundtrack of their sporting memories.
