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18. Personalities

(d) Micheal O'Hehir, Our Great Sport's Broadcaster - the Lack Connection

For a period of almost 50 years from 1938, Micheal O'Hehir was the national broadcaster of gaelic games. He had a very strong Lack connection. He was the grandson of James Hehir who was born to Michael Hehir and Ellen Scanlon in Lack on the 11^th November 1854. James married Ellen Brady and settled in Paradise. Their son, Jim - Micheal's father - obtained employment in the civil service and settled in Dublin.
Jim was very committed to the GAA and holds the distinction of helping to train the Clare all Ireland winners in 1914. He was chairman of the Civil Service and St. Vincent's GAA clubs and a member of the Dublin county board.
Micheal was born in Glasnevin, Dublin in 1920. He made his first broadcast on the 14^th of August 1938 at the young age of only 18 and was an instant hit. For the remainder of his life he was a household name commentating on gaelic games almost every Sunday of the year.
On the introduction of television he assumed the position of Head of Sport at RTE a post he held until he suffered a stroke in 1985. While he was also a great racing broadcaster he will always be associated with gaelic games.