WELL-known international publishers Penguin Books are to publish the autobiography of the country’s bestknown Gaelic games commentator, Dingle native Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

Mícheál’s recognisable voice has become synonymous with Gaelic games for generations of fans and GAA supporters.

While this is still his own story, it is by extension the story of the Gaelic Athletic Association for half a century and is filled with all the great humour and wisdom for which he is so well loved.

Born in the townland of Doonsheane, east of Dingle, in 1930, the farmer’s son began his education at Dingle CBS primary school, then went on to Coláiste Iosagán, the preparatory college in Baile Mhúirne in Co Cork.

After his stint there, Mícheál entered the teachers training college St Patrick’s, in Drumcondra, Dublin, one of the top thirdlevel colleges in Ireland when it came to Gaelic games at the time.

Mícheál later studied at University College Dublin where he went on to complete his primary degree and post-graduate qualification in education and enjoyed a very successful career as a teacher for many years.

His broadcasting career began when as a student teacher he competed in an open competition in Croke Park for the post of assistant commentator. Mícheál was successful in his bid and the rest is Irish broadcasting history.

His encyclopaedic knowledge of Gaelic games is renowned and he also successfully trained the Dublinbased members of the great Kerry team during the golden era of Kerry football which won eight All-Irelands for the county in 12 years.

Mícheál has also had a life-long interest in greyhound racing and regularly commentated on the sport on both radio and television. A native Irish speaker, Mícheál has a huge interest in the promotion and development of the Irish language and has played a major part at national level in this regard.

He served as a very successful chairman of Bord na Gaeilge for two terms until the time of its abolition to be replaced by the north south body Foras na Gaeilge. Mícheál is married to Dublin native Helena and they have eight children, many of whom are domiciled overseas.

The autobiography, which was acquired by Michael McLoughlin, managing director of Penguin Ireland, will be published in the autumn.

Gaeltacht man on the small screen

ONE of Irish-language television channel TG4’s toprated programmes, Cleamhnas, which has attracted large audiences over the past six seasons, has a new presenter. Daithí Ó Sé has been very successful in presenting the programme for the past two weeks and his new approach and vibrancy has increased its ratings.

The programme, which bears a slight resemblance to Blind Date with Cilla Black and similar such programmes on American TV networks, goes out live on Sunday evenings at 7 o clock and is repeated midweek. However, Cleamhnas is different to its English and American counterparts in that the final choice of date is left up to a friend, parent or grandparent.

Most of the contestants are Gaeltacht natives or living in the Irish-speaking regions of the country. With the huge rise in the amount Gael scoileanna throughout the country over the past decade contestants from outside the Gaeltacht areas also frequently appear on the programme, which is open to people of all ages.

Daithí, a native of Feothanach, attended his local national school and the Dingle CBS secondary school. He went on to Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Daithi has always had a huge interest in drama and performed with various amateur groups during his school and college years. He joined the staff of TG4 three years ago and has had a very successful career to date.

Corca Dhuibhne clinch rugby title

THERE was great celebration in Dingle when the Corca Dhuibhne under-14 side returned home victorious having captured the West Munster League trophy.

The boys from the west, led by their captain John Devane, defeated Tralee in a thrilling close game played in Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick. John played a starring role in the game, as did Eóin MacGearailt, Liam Flannery, Tommy Brosnan and Seamus MacGearailt. The side was coached by Mick Dooley assisted by Justin McCarthy.

The players were John Devane, Eóin MacGearailt, Liam Flannery, Paul Geaney, Mikie Geaney, Tommy Brosnan, Padraig Houlihan, Tomás Houlihan, Adam Daly, Dara O’Callaghan, Mike O’Shea, Brendan Bown Brosnan, Donnacha Higgins, Seamus MacGearailt, Seán Ó Coileáin, Michael McKenna, Declan Hand and Brian Sheehy.

Danno O’Keeffe, PRO of the club, said all involved were thrilled with the victory. Indeed, the club is very vibrant at underage level, with its under-13 team also progressing well in the league.

Danno congratulated the team on their great achievement and said they played some great rugby in the course of the competition, but especially in the final.

West Kerry GAA affairs

THE Lispole club held a highly successful celebration buffet in the Hillgrove Hotel, Dingle, which was very well attended.

Kerry captain Dara Ó Cinnéide was the guest of honour and he presented the medals to the Lispole side that captured the junior title at Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta played in Baile Mhúirne.

Denis Devane was a very popular recipient of the player of the year award, while Mike Fitzgerald got the award for junior player of the year.

A special award was made to county minor player Shane O’Sullivan and also to county minor selector Tomás Ó hAiniféin. Neasa Ní Shúilleabháin scooped lady player of the year while handballers Raymond Griffin and John Hickson also won awards.

A special presentation was also made to Stephen Brosnan, the 2002 player of the year. Presentations were made to senior team selectors Gabriel Ó Cathasaigh, Mick Carroll and Mick Prendeville.

Dónal Ó hAiniféin was an excellent fear an tí while chairman John P O’Sullivan paid tribute to the team and award winners. Also in attendance were Con Ó Brosnacháin, West Kerry Board Scór officer, and Dermot “Weeshie” Lynch, treasurer, West Kerry Board.

The third round of the West Kerry League takes place on Saturday next when Lispole are at home to Castlegregory and St Pat’s host Dingle; both games at 4pm.

The An Ghaeltacht versus Annascaul game is off to allow the former prepare for the All-Ireland club final. Lispole man Tomás Ó hAiniféin has been appointed trainer of the Kerry junior team.

Tomás, who still assists Lispole, is a former west Kerry star who played for the county U-21 team and was selected for the county senior side.

On taking up a teaching appointment in Carlow he transferred his allegiance to his adopted county and starred with them for a number of years. He has been a member of the county minor selection committee for the past three years. The West Kerry Board expressed votes of sympathy to the Moriarty family, Ballyferriter, the Bowler family, Dingle, and the McAnallen family, Tyrone, on their recent bereavements.

Just what the doctor ordered

THE Minister for Health and Children, Mícheál Martin, and his department officials have given approval to the Southern Health Board to invite tenders for the construction of Dingle’s new hospital.

The local community is delighted that the project has progressed to this stage and work is expected to commence on building later this year.

The 72-bed hospital, costing approximately ¤ 12.1 million, will be built on a greenfield site in Shane O’Connor’s field, beside Páirc An Aghasaigh. A mental health day centre, a day centre for older people and an ambulance base will all be part of the new hospital.

Minister Martin has promised that the hospital will be built to the highest standard of design and workmanship and will provide a much-enhanced hospital service for the west Kerry community.

The project will be advertised in the European Journal and building firms will be invited to tender. Many leading national and international building firms are expected to seek the contract. Local politicians, community groups and medical practitioners have strongly campaigned for the longawaited facility over the years.

Dingle was one of ten locations in the country chosen for inclusion in a primary care initiative under which extra resources in areas such a public health nursing and psychological services are provided in the community.

This initiative promoted by the department of health and children has been very successful since it was established over a year ago.

It’s showtime for youngsters

THE West Kerry Board and Cumann na mBunscoil Chiarraí Thiar are holding the West Kerry finals of Scór na bPáistí in Lispole hall on Sunday next at 3 o clock. West Kerry Scór officer Con ÓBrosnachaín is hoping for a big turnout for this national schools competition, which similar to Scór na nÓg.