News broke on Wednesday morning that RTÉ sports commentator Jimmy Magee has sadly passed away at the age of 82. He was said to have been ill for some time.
Magee was a national treasure; a voice who will long be fondly remembered and long associated with sports broadcasting in Ireland.
Tributes have been paid to Magee who first began working with RTÉ in 1956.
President Michael D. Higgins described Magee's love of sports as 'deeply infectious'.
I have learned with sadness of the death of the legendary sports broadcaster, Jimmy Magee.
His contribution of more than 60 years of sports broadcasting is immense and earned him the deserved moniker of the “Memory Man”.
He reported on some of the most iconic moments in sport but also had a genuine interest in the human side of everyday sports.
His encyclopaedic knowledge of the world of sport enabled audiences to “Know Your Sport” and his love for sports, in particular boxing, Gaelic and soccer, was deeply infectious – as were his persuasive powers, which he demonstrated so ably when coaxing sporting heroes out of retirement for the All Stars football games and music evenings in Ballyjamesduff.
Sabina and I express our condolences to his daughters and son, his wider family and friends. He will be missed by all those who appreciate and care for the world of sports.
Several Irish footballers have paid their respects.
Goodnight Jimmy. Absolute legend up there with Colman and Carpenter - sad day #jimmymagee
— Jason Mcateer (@MCATEER4) September 20, 2017
Meet jimmy Magee at ireland Serbia game just gone,was full of stories laughter and a true gent,thank you for memories rip
— stephen hunt (@stephenhunt1010) September 20, 2017
RIP Jimmy Magee. An iconic voice in Irish Sport. 🙏🏻
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) September 20, 2017
Sad news to hear that Jimmy Magee has passed away. One of the best commentators of Irish sport ever RIPJimmy 🙏
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) September 20, 2017
Upsetting to hear that Jimmy Magee has passed away. What a great character. He loved a bit of craic and made people smile. A very sad day.
— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) September 20, 2017
As have GAA players.
sad sad news to wake up to of the passing of an Irish legend jimmy magee. Always made time to talk when we crossed paths. RIPJM🙏
— Conor.mortimer (😷)⚽️ (@Conmort) September 20, 2017
Sorry to hear of the passing of the legendary Jimmy Magee. His voice was instantly recognisable and unique. Irish sports loss. #TheMemoryMan
— Steven McDonnell (@StevenMcD13) September 20, 2017
RIP Jimmy Magee. Fortunate to have met him in person. pic.twitter.com/znoFCFuiaD
— Colm O Neill (@crossbar13) September 20, 2017
And other sports people who were the subject of his words through the years.
My heart felt sympathies to the family of the Legendary JimmyMagee who died today RIP. Amazing commentator & a great man #godbegoodtohim
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) September 20, 2017
Just heard the news, RIP Jimmy Magee, a unique sports commentator.
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) September 20, 2017
Good bye #jimmymagee RIP
— David Gillick (@DavidGillick) September 20, 2017
His RTÉ colleagues and other journlists have also been kind with their words.
RIP Jimmy Magee. Our song was "Seven Spanish Angels"... the best travel companion ever. A pure rogue for the Craic.❤️ pic.twitter.com/PNJL9BlGaf
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) September 20, 2017
Jimmy Magee #rip another gone from the sound track of our youth. Unbelievably supportive, always positive, different class..
— Ryle Nugent (@ryle_nugent) September 20, 2017
So sad.He'll be serenading them up there tonight.What a voice and a lovely man. Great fun.Different class..Different class..Rip Jimmy Magee.
— Adrian Eames (@AdrianEames1) September 20, 2017
Would occasionally see Jimmy Magee in press box and one day last year sat beside him for a big Kerry game. Funny, sarcastic, pleasant man
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) September 20, 2017
Heartbroken & saddened to hear the legendary Jimmy Magee has passed away. Jimmy was a great colleague & even better friend. I'll miss him. pic.twitter.com/hW2prMB6fd
— Marty Morrissey (@MartyM_RTE) September 20, 2017
Jimmy Magee lived about 10 different lives. RIP.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) September 20, 2017
Sorry to hear of #JimmyMagee's death. On top of his skill & knowledge he was the greatest messer you'd meet. Will treasure the chats pic.twitter.com/y3cUI7TNAy
— Damien O'Meara (@damien_omeara) September 20, 2017
Jimmy Magee - " A Different Class !RIP - a sports man & a sports fan
— Hector (@hectorirl) September 20, 2017
I'm so sad to hear that Jimmy Magee has passed away. He was such a lovely man and great fun. He'll be missed by everyone. RIP #JimmyMagee X
— Lucy Kennedy (@KennedyLucy) September 20, 2017
Politicians and sporting bodies have also paid their respects.
Very sad to hear of the passing of broadcasting legend Jimmy Magee. His voice captured the great moments of our childhood days and much more
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 20, 2017
Jimmy Magee RIP Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) September 20, 2017
One of the voices of sport in Ireland and a lovely man. Rest in peace Jimmy Magee. pic.twitter.com/v4CyFzl77E
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 20, 2017
So sad to hear of the death of Jimmy Magee, a legendary soundtrack to so many sporting moments, sympathies to family, friends & @RTEsport https://t.co/6mzXaj5h4f
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) September 20, 2017
Picture credit; Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
