Tributes to Colm Murray

Tributes to Colm Murray - updated at 14:10

Statement by Willie Penrose on the death of Colm Murray

Colm Murray was a tremendous journalist, one of nature’s gentlemen. He was very intelligent, well read, with an encyclopaedic knowledge about horseracing in particular.

On two occasions at the local race meeting in Kilbeggan I was delighted to be requested by the committee to join Colm as co-host of a tipping forum for invited guests. It was an education – an amateur like myself chancing my arm in the company of the ultimate professional, but he was ever helpful, guiding me away from no-hopers.

He was always deeply interested in the fortunes of GAA in Westmeath, and was especially proud of the achievements of Minor and under-21 teams winning all-Irelands, and in 2004, when Westmeath beat Laois to win the Leinster Final.

He was a consummate media professional, who brought great life to his stories, which were thoroughly researched.

He was very well-versed in politics, with a razor-sharp knowledge not just of Irish politics, but of world politics in general.

The stoic way that he embraced the diagnosis of Motor Neurone disease, and the way that he took on the challenge, was truly inspirational. His interview with his colleague Sean O’Rourke was the mark of the man, while his work with Professor Hardiman in the area of research, and the articulation of how he coped with his challenge, was truly illuminating and heroic.

To his family, I send my sincerest sympathies to you on your great loss, and in your consolation you can reflect on a litany of wonderful achievements by Colm, and an unparalleled legacy in broadcasting which is recognised by all his peers. We have lost a proud and great Westmeath man.

 

Statement by Eamon Gilmore TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I was very saddened to hear of the death of Colm Murray. 

My thoughts today are with his wife Anne, their daughters Kate and Patricia, his friends and his RTÉ colleagues. His passing will be especially sad, coming as it does so soon after the death of his sister and fellow RTÉ journalist Cathy Murray Bracken, who died in May.

Colm was one of the most accomplished sports journalists of his generation and was, as far as most people were concerned, the voice of horse racing in Ireland.

Colm was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2010, but he bore his illness with incredible bravery and dignity. It was a mark of his professionalism and courage that he continued to work for as long as he did after his diagnosis, and it was this courage that inspired so many people.

His death will have a particular poignancy this week, coinciding as it does with the Galway Races, a festival with which he was so closely identified for so many years.

Are dheis De go rabh a h-anam.