Popular sports commentator Jimmy Magee has sadly passed away at the age of 82.
It’s understood that the broadcaster, who was known as the ‘memory man’, was ill for some time.
Jimmy joined RTÉ back in 1956, and throughout his career he commentated on 11 Olympic Games and 12 World Cups.
This morning, RTE’s Des Cahill paid tribute to him on Morning Ireland, “To travel with him he was unbelievable craic. He was a pure rogue for getting a laugh going with a group on a trip away.”
“He was kind to the youngsters coming along. He was known by the families of all the sports men and women because he was a family man, he was a fun man.
“He was known for cheeky humour, he would set you up big time if he could. I have many warm memories of him. The memory man thing stemmed from his love of sport. You will get people who learn off subjects like in school but in sport you don’t have to learn off things if you love it.
“He was always talking about sports men and women and therefore he had a great knowledge,” he added.
Since the news broke this morning, tributes have been pouring in on social media.
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
I’m going to miss my boyhood hero who became my friend .. and will always remain a hero. He never lost ‘The Boy’s Heart’. #JimmyMagee R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/igRHde977q
— john creedon (@johncreedon) September 20, 2017
Jimmy Magee #rip another gone from the sound track of our youth. Unbelievably supportive, always positive, different class..
— Ryle Nugent (@RyleNugentRTE) 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
I rarely get starstruck, but when sitting with Jimmy watching Ire beat Germany in Lansdowne, it was impossible not to be. RIP Jimmy Magee ???? pic.twitter.com/sruqXyTQjw
— Declan Pierce (@DecPierce) September 20, 2017
Remember watching this goal as a small kid, with Jimmy Magee’s commentary. To use his own word, Jimmy was class. RIPhttps://t.co/vVMRWBBFou
— Joe Donnelly (@kildarejoe) September 20, 2017
Terribly sad news about Jimmy Magee. He was an absolute gent with an endless love and knowledge of Sport, especially Irish sport. RIP
— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) September 20, 2017
I will have to pull out some better photo’s but Jimmy Magee I was honoured to call you a friend. The Memory Man will live on #legend #RIP pic.twitter.com/yg64q7y8GA
— Amanda Brunker (@AmandaJBrunker) September 20, 2017
