O'Hehir, Micheal (1920–1997)

Irish sports commentator, born in Dublin. He gave his first official commentary on 14 August 1938, for the All-Ireland Gaelic football semi-final in Mullingar, County Westmeath. He was only 18 years old at the time and still a student at O'Connell's secondary school in Dublin. From then on, his dramatic and infectious style made him a household name for the next 50 years. He was also well known in the UK for his commentaries on the Grand National steeplechase with Peter O' Sullevan. After retiring as head of sport for RTÉ (the national TV station) in 1972, he continued to broadcast until 1985.

O'Hehir's father had trained Clare to victory in the 1914 All-Ireland hurling final, and it was this background, together with a fascination for the radio, that introduced the young O'Hehir into sports broadcasting.