The 2025 Gael Linn Ó Muircheartaigh Commentary Competition awards were presented in Croke Park on 11th December. The competition has gone from strength to strength with the number of entries continuing to grow. Gael Linn runs this unique competition in association with Nemeton TV and the Gaelic Athletic Association.
This competition was renamed this year in honour of the man who is recognised as the ‘Voice of the Gaelic Athletic Association’ and someone who has left a lasting mark on the social life of this country: Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.
Mairéad Ní Thiománaigh, Communications Manager for Gael Linn, said,
“The impact that Mícheál had cannot be put into words: his unique talent, poetic style of speech, sense of humour, reading of the play, excellent storytelling and mastery of the natural use of language. He will continue to inspire generation after generation to take up this unique craft of commentary.”
The competition emphasises skills that are invaluable today – communication, presentation, creativity and language skills. Young people are encouraged to find their own voice through the medium of Irish and through their interest in the GAA. The excellence of imagination and creativity was evident in all the entries.
“It is vital that the next generation is developing these skills as they prepare to undertake this special task to succeed some of the masters who are among us today and who judged the competition this year.” Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, Chief Executive of Gael Linn
Gael Linn would like to express its sincere gratitude to Clann Uí Mhuircheartaigh, for their continued support; Jamie Ó Tuama and the GAA National Irish Committee as well as the teachers and mentors who guided and encouraged the students.
The judges were once again the best commentators in this country: Mac Dara Mac Dhonnchadh, Máire Ní Bhraonáin, Dara Ó Cinnéide and Liam Mac a’ Mhaoir. Speaking on behalf of the panel at the event, Dara Ó Cinnéide said:
“It is a great encouragement and morale-boosting experience to listen to these talented young people as they bring a new lease of life to sport through the medium of Irish. The future of sports commentary is secure and competitions such as this are of paramount importance in creating opportunities for the next generation.”
Winners 2025
The majority of the winners this year came mainly from Cork and Galway – two counties with a strong tradition of both Gaelic games and the language. The quality of all entries was of an exceptionally high standard.
National Winner 2025
Ruadhán Ó Coisdealbha – Scoil Chuimhistíocht Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway
A turn in the TG4 commentary box at a match during 2026
A cheque for €500
4 tickets to the Croke Park Museum and a tour of the stadium
5 tickets to a 2026 football or hurling league match of the winner’s choice
Junior Winners
First Place: Ferdia Mac Eoin – Coláiste Gobnait, Inis Oirr, Co. Galway
Second Place: Dara Mac Cionnaith – Scoil Abán Naofa, Baile Mhúirne, Co. Cork
Third Place: Juliemae Ní Cheallaigh – Scoil Chúil Aodha, Barr D’Inse, Co. Cork
2 x Special Prizes – Matthew Ó Tuama & Earnán Ó Cuill, Scoil Chúil Aodha Barr D’Inse, Co. Cork
Senior Winners
First Place: Cóil Mac Con Iomaire – Scoil Chuimhistíe Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway
Second Place: Traolach Ó Ríordáin – Coláiste Ghobnatan, Baile Mhic Íre, Co. Cork
Third Place: Éabha Burke – Ardscoil na Mara, Kinvara, Co. Galway