MICHÉAL Ó MUIRCHEARTAIGH:The broadcasting luminary offers his predictions for this year's All-Ireland football and hurling championships
The football and hurling championships are underway but, for the first time since 1949, you're not covering the action. Does it feel strange?No, for this reason: When I was broadcasting I travelled to matches every Sunday. I looked forward and talked to people about what kind of a game it was going to be and we always anticipated an exciting contest. I'm still doing all of that. And I hope to do so for many years.
Who do you fancy this year?In football, I'd have to say Cork. They've always had the ability but, in previous years, they might have lacked confidence. Until last year, they had played in 23 All-Ireland finals, but only won six. That was a dismal record. But the way they played last year – winning the league and the All-Ireland, then adding the league again this year – I think they'll be much more confident this time.
What about hurling? Last year's hurling final was the best I've ever seen and I'm watching them a long, long time. By the end of the game, Tipperary had eight under-21s on the field. They'll all be starting this year. But I would have some doubts about their fullback line. Cork failed to win five-in-a-row in 1945 and came straight back to win in 1946. Will Kilkenny be able do that this year? They'll certainly be hoping to. On balance, I'll go for Tipperary. But I wouldn't be nearly as confident about that one.
So both champions to retain their titles then?Yes. It would be the first time to happen since 2007, when Kerry and Kilkenny both retained theirs.
You met President Obama when he was in Dublin. Yes, after the speeches I got the chance to meet him very briefly. It was only a few words. He appeared to be the kind of person who would love to have a word with everybody that was there. I would say you will see him back in this country again.
How are the dogs? Very good. Razldazl George has made it to the semi-final of the English Greyhound Derby. I have another one, Razldazl Rioga, running well too. He's not yet two years old and he has a lot of pace. Who knows? He might be the one which wins the Irish derby for me. Hope is the soul of sport, I think. Whether it's hurling or football, horses or golf, as long as you're hoping, that's what counts.
Speaking of hope, my own county Mayo is still in shock after being taken to extra time by London a couple of weeks ago. Well, shock is absolutely the right word.
Am I clutching at straws here, or might the economy explain London's performance?Four of their team were from Mayo. London played well. But still I was hugely surprised and disappointed that Mayo didn't record an emphatic win. There's a great, great tradition of football in Mayo. But as with the Limerick hurlers, they have not got the rewards for all the great players they have produced. Still, as I said, if you don't have hope you have nothing.
When you think back to football and hurling as they were played in 1949, have they changed beyond recognition? They have. But no more so than the game being played in 1949 probably didn't bear much resemblance to the game played in 1910. Sport changes constantly and every generation is entitled to play the game as they feel they should.
Personally, I don’t like this surfeit of hand-passing we’ve seen in recent years. I’ve counted 10 hand-passes for every kick at some games. That’s why I was delighted at the contest Armagh and Down produced a couple of weeks ago. There was much less hand passing, great pace, great scores and two very fit teams. It clashed with the Champions League final. But Armagh and Down were able to show that, played properly, Gaelic football is as attractive a game as any played in the world.
The famous quotes attributed to you over the years – buying the 'Kerryman' in New York, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín's lack of hurling pedigree, and so on – are they all true? There would be a good element of accuracy in most of them, let's say. Like all good stories, they change and mutate a little over time. But there would be an element of truth in most of them.
Finally, what will you miss most about not broadcasting this year? Well, it would be wrong to say I won't miss it. But I'm enjoying the situation as it is at the moment. I plan to visit all four provinces as I always did. Wondering how will Kilkenny be? How will Kerry be? Is there another one in Tyrone? The anticipation, I think, is often as good as the game itself. I mightn't be talking on air, but I'll certainly be talking to whoever is sitting next to me.
Well then I’m sure that will be the best seat in the house. Thank you very much.
Michéal Ó Muircheartaigh was recently presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oireachtas Irish Language Awards
