Colm was ‘one of nature’s gentlemen’

To his colleagues in RTÉ he was the father figure in the sports department — the big man with the big voice who made everyone laugh.

To listeners and viewers, he was the face and voice of Cheltenham.

For once, the term “TV personality” really applied. Even if you didn’t know one end of a horse from the other, you could bet Colm Murray’s infectious commentary would make the annual racing festival compelling viewing.

Such was his contribution to the sport that Colm was honoured with an industry award by Horse Racing Ireland in 2010 for “his engaging and eloquent reports, illuminating the sport in a constantly positive and entertaining manner”.

Noel Curran, RTÉ’s director general, said Colm’s colleagues were deeply saddened by his death, and he would be rightly remembered by the horse racing community for his enthusiasm and authority.

“The courage that Colm has shown over these past couple of years has been truly extraordinary,” he said. “The news is all the more poignant, given the recent sudden passing of his sister Cathy, who also worked in our newsroom.

“For all who worked with him in RTÉ, he will be remembered as a wonderful colleague and friend.”

Ryle Nugent, head of sport at RTÉ, said it was a sad day for all who knew Colm. “He had an infectious laugh, a real sense of fun and a little mischief that has been, and will always be, missed in this office,” he said.

“His commitment and love for his work was there for all to see and he will be long remembered for his kindness, decency, and caring of those with whom he came into contact.”

While his colleague and friend Des Cahill describes Colm as providing “the worst racing tips in Ireland”, he still remembers him with great fondness.

As soon as the news was confirmed, he tweeted: “RIP the legendary Colm Murray. A fantastic colleague with a hearty, infectious laugh... a bundle of energy... & the worst racing tips in Ireland.”

Horse trainer Ted Walsh described Colm as one of nature’s gentlemen adding that he was “great company”. Speaking on RTÉ radio, Mr Walsh said: “He loved to have a bet, loved to do the jackpot. He wasn’t a big, compulsive gambler, but he loved a bet and loved going racing.

“He was just a joy to be with. He wasn’t one of those fellas who when you went into a room you wanted to buzz away and sit somewhere else.

“You wanted to sit alongside him and get the stories.

“He was enthusiastic. He was just one of nature’s gentlemen.”

Champion trainer Willie Mullins, as well as broadcasters Robbie Irwin and Darren Frehill, paid tribute to Colm on Today with Pat Kenny presented by Myles Dungan.

Kenny himself remembers the early years when his and Colm’s career took a similar trajectory in RTÉ, from continuity announcer to the newsroom.

“I am devastated by his passing,” he said.

“Colm was the essence of decency, very kind, and a thorough gentleman.

“He was also affability personified, but he was no innocent abroad and was very wise and politically astute.

“He was always great for a yarn, whether it was a horsy tale or a political one.”

From Moate in Co Westmeath, Colm was a teacher before joining RTÉ. He graduated from University College Galway in 1972 with a BA degree in French, English, and history.

For the next three years he taught at secondary schools in Athlone and Tullamore, having completed a Higher Diploma in Education at Maynooth University. In 1975, he moved to Dublin where he taught French, English, and history in Ballymun Comprehensive School.

In Oct 1978, Colm changed career and moved to RTÉ Radio, where he took up a post as a continuity announcer. He became a newscaster in 1983 and moved into sports broadcasting five years later.

Gay Byrne was shocked to hear of Colm’s death: “Oh dear, oh dear. My immediate reaction is that it comes as a welcome release because he suffered for such a long time. He was one of the most popular people in Montrose, always courteous and smiling.”

He echoed Des Cahill’s comments, though, as regards Colm’s ability when it came to tipping winners.

“He never gave me a tip that won me any money,” he said with a chuckle.

Seamus Dooley of the National Union of Journalists described Colm as a remarkable figure in Irish journalism.

“Few could match his encyclopaedic knowledge of rural Ireland. He had a special affection for the Irish Midlands, regularly giving of his time and talents to support community initiatives, especially in Westmeath and in Offaly, where he began his teaching career.”

Leading National Hunt jockeys Davy Russell and Barry Geraghty also paid their respects on Twitter.

Russell said: “Very sad 2 hear of the passing of Colm Murray a true sports fan and gentleman who adored his racing thoughts are with his family.”

Geraghty said: “Very sad news to hear of RTE sports correspondent Colm Murray's passing he was such a nice man and a great supporter of racing & all sports.”