Colm Murray
| Colm Murray | |
|---|---|
| Born |
22 March 1952 Moate, County Westmeath, Ireland |
| Died |
30 July 2013 (aged 61) Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Education |
University College Galway Maynooth University |
| Occupation | Broadcaster, newsreader, and sports journalist |
| Years active | 1978-2013 |
| Employer | RTÉ |
| Known for | RTÉ News |
| Spouse(s) | Anne |
Colm Murray (22 March 1952 – 30 July 2013) was an Irish broadcaster, newsreader, and sports journalist, best remembered for his reports on horse racing. He was employed by RTÉ from 1978 until his death from a three-year illness in July 2013.[1]
Early life
Born on Church Street, Moate, County Westmeath where his parents ran a petrol station and newsagent, Murray was the eldest of four, with three younger sisters. The youngest sister, Patricia, died from a tumour when she was six years old in 1969 and another sister, Catherine, died shortly before Colm. Murray was educated at the Convent of Mercy National School, Blessed Oliver Plunkett Boys' National School and the Carmelite College. He subsequently attended University College Galway where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in English, French, and History. He later qualified as a secondary school teacher from Maynooth University and spent six years teaching in Athlone, Tullamore, and Ballymun.[2]
Broadcasting career
In 1978, Murray responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking a continuity announcer for state broadcaster RTÉ. His application was successful and he began his presenting career on Hospital Requests on RTÉ Radio.
After six years as a continuity announcer and radio presenter, Murray joined RTÉ News as a full-time newscaster, working alongside figures such as Maurice O'Doherty, Charles Mitchel, Anne Doyle and Don Cockburn. In 1989, he moved into the area of sports coverage where he became a sportscaster, sports reporter and sports presenter, sometimes out in the field but usually in the studio.[2]
Personal life
Murray married his wife, Anne, with whom he had two daughters, Catherine and Patricia, both named in honour of his sisters.[3]
Illness and death
On 30 March[4] 2010, Murray was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. He was presented with a People of the Year Award in September 2012 for his contribution to the study of the disease and his courage through adversity.[5] He died on 30 July 2013 at his home in Dublin, aged 61.[6][7]
References
- ↑ "His sporting life". RTÉ Television. 13 January 2011. Retrieved 23 January 2012.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The voice of sport from Moate". The Westmeath Independent. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2012.
- ↑ "RTÉ broadcaster Colm Murray dies aged 61". RTÉ Sport. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ↑ "RTÉ broadcaster Colm Murray dies aged 61". Irish Times. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ↑ "Heroes at national and community levels honoured in emotional ceremony". The Irish Times. 17 September 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ↑ "Passing of Colm Murray". Irish Mirror. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ↑ "RTE presenter Colm Murray passes away". Irish Independent. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.