Michael O'Hehir
| Michael James O'Hehir | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Michael James Hehir 2 June 1920 Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 24 November 1996 (aged 76) Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Other names | Mícheál Ó hEithir |
| Education | St. Patrick's National School, O'Connell CBS |
| Alma mater | University College Dublin |
| Occupation | Sports commentator, journalist |
| Years active | 1938-1985 |
| Employer | Raidió Teilifís Éireann |
| Spouse(s) | Molly Owens (1948-1996) |
| Children | Tony O'Hehir, Mary O'Hehir, Mike O'Hehir, Peter O'Hehir, Ann O'Hehir |
Michael James Hehir (also known as Michael O'Hehir and Irish: Mícheál Ó hEithir; 2 June 1920–24 November 1996) was an Irish hurling, football and horse racing commentator and journalist. Between 1938 and 1985 his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. He is still regarded as the original 'voice of Gaelic games'.
O'Hehir was born in Glasnevin, Dublin to parents who had moved from Clare. His father, Jim O'Hehir, was active in Gaelic games, having trained his native county to win the 1914 All-Ireland title in hurling. He subsequently trained the Leitrim football team that secured the Connacht title in 1927 and he also served as an official with the Dublin Junior Board.
O'Hehir was educated at St. Patrick's National School in Drumcondra before later attending the O'Connell School. He later studied electrical engineering at University College Dublin, however, he abandoned his studies after just one year to pursue a full-time career in broadcasting.
O'Hehir never played football, however, he enjoyed a distinguished hurling career with the St. Vincent's club in Raheny.
O'Hehir became fascinated with the radio when he received a present of one as a child. He had just turned eighteen and was still a school-boy when he wrote to Radio Éireann asking to do a test commentary. O'Hehir was accepted and was asked, along with five others, to do a five-minute microphone test for a National Football League game between Wexford and Louth. His microphone test impressed the director of broadcasting so much that he was invited to commentate on the whole of the second half of the match.
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