FAREWELL MEMORY MAN
Jimmy was different class, the gentleman of Irish sport
TRIBUTES poured in yesterday as the world of sport was saddened by the death of broadcasting legend Jimmy Magee.
The RTE commentator and journalist, known as the Memory Man, passed away aged 82. Jimmy was indelibly linked with some of the greatest moments in Irish and international sport and commentated at 11 Olympic Games and 12 World Cups. RTE’S group head of sport Ryle Nugent paid tribute using one of the journalist’s immortal lines, coined when Diego Maradona was at his best scoring against England in Mexico 1986. He said: “Jimmy Magee RIP, another gone from the soundtrack of our youth. Unbelievably supportive, always positive, different class.” Former Irish international soccer great Paul Mcgrath tweeted: “Sad to hear the news of Jimmy’s passing. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. What a gentleman of Irish sport.” Another RTE colleague Des Cahill said: “RIP Jimmy Magee. Our song was Seven Spanish Angels... the best travel companion ever. A pure rogue for the craic.”
MAGIC
Jimmy was regarded as a family man, fun-loving and great support to young journalists. Some of his magic moments on air included calling home John Treacy to silver medal success at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Barry Mcguigan’s world title fight in Loftus Road in 1985 and Katie Taylor’s Olympic success in London 2012. He also revealed being one of the first to arrive on the scene of the IRA bombing of Nelson’s Pillar on Dublin’s O’connell Street in 1966 after enjoying a night out. Magee had been ill before his death. He was born in New York City and raised in Co Louth and joined RTE 1956 before the broadcaster even operated a TV channel. Despite commentating on World Cups, athletics championships and a host of other massive sporting occasions, he was the undisputed voice of Irish boxing. Champion turned promoter Mcguigan said: “My heartfelt sympathies to the family of the legendary Jimmy Magee who died today RIP. Amazing commentator and a great man #godbegoodtohim.” In one of his final interviews in late August, Jimmy gave the Irish Daily Mirror his blunt assessment of the Conor Mcgregor v Floyd Mayweather fight in Las Vegas. He called it right giving The Notorious no chance. One of his most famous shifts behind the mic was his commentary of Argentina’s World Cup quarter final tie against England in 1986, infamous for Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal. An emotional Cahill told RTE’S Morning Ireland: “It’s a sad morning. I followed Jimmy as a presenter of Sunday Sport and as a young fellow that was my favourite programme on radio with Jimmy as presenter. I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d follow him as a presenter. “To travel with him, he was unbelievable craic. He was a pure rogue on a trip away. “He was kind to the youngsters coming along, he was known to the families of all the sports men and women. “The big thing I remember him for is fun and his sense of humour. They’re lovely, warm memories to have of Jimmy.” Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said the broadcaster and his encyclopaedic knowledge of sport will be missed. He added: “Jimmy’s passion for sport, of any description, was legendary. “His encyclopaedic knowledge of sports fact and trivia quickly and rightly earned him the nickname of The Memory Man. “Jimmy encapsulated all that is good in Irish sports broadcasting. A quick wit, he respected the players and they, in turn, respected him.” President Michael D Higgins said Magee’s contributions to broadcasting were immense. He added: “He reported on some of the most iconic moments but also had a genuine interest in the human side of everyday sports.” Sports Minister Shane Ross
described Jimmy as the voice of Irish sport. He said: “His passion for sport and warm interest in people, and his ability to express both was central to the immense affection felt for him, both in Ireland and also abroad, particularly amongst the Irish diaspora.” Minister of State Brendan Griffin added: “He will be sadly missed by sports fans throughout the country, but generations to come will continue to enjoy his contribution through the rich archive of sporting history that he is forever an integral part of.” Jimmy was a patron of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and supported the charity for more than a decade. His son Paul died in 2008 from motor neurone disease and donated his brain for research. The charity’s chief Aisling Farrell paid tribute to the star and said no task was too small and no obstacle too high for him. She added: “We are truly heartbroken to hear of this news. “Jimmy was a constant presence in our fundraising for so long, and helped raise the profile of an illness that has such a devastating effect on people living with motor neurone disease. “We will be eternally grateful for his time and effort. The Memory Man left us with some wonderful memories. “Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”