RT STATEMENT ON the DEA OF COLM MURRAY

RT STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF COLM MURRAY 30 July 2013: The death has taken place of the RT journalist and broadcaster Colm Murray.

Colm joined RT in October 1978, where he took up a post as continuity announcer. In the course of his sports broadcasting career, he has covered a large number of national and international events, including the Cheltenham Festival since 1990 and the Olympics and Paralympics in Sydney, However, he regarded his assignment with Jack Charlton's Republic of Ireland soccer team in Italia Novanta (the 1990 World Cup in Italy) as the highlight of his sports broadcasting career.

Although able to cross all sporting codes, Colm will forever be associated with Horse Racing where his knowledge of the sport combined with his exuberant personality made the sport accessible to all. From Cheltenham to Punchestown, Gowran to Fairyhouse Colm was the voice and face of racing for hundreds of thousands of race goers.

Colm also pioneered coverage of the Paralympics and Special Olympics when assigned to both by RT , bringing a prominence to both codes which they had not previously enjoyed. His warmth and ability to put athletes at ease saw him embraced by successive Irish paralympic teams as an ambassador each Olympiad.

In March 2010 Colm was diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease. He continued to work in the RT newsroom and embarked on a series of in-depth radio profiles of luminaries such as Alex Ferguson, Brian O'Driscoll and Johnny Murtagh. His journalistic professionalism and desire to assist others also saw him embark on an RT documentary to highlight MND and assist in developing treatment for those diagnosed.

Colm is survived by his wife Ann, and daughters Patricia and Kate.

Ryle Nugent, Group Head of Sport, RT paid tribute today: It's a sad sad day for all of us that knew and worked with 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. 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. Our thoughts are with his wife Ann and all his family .

Noel Curran, Director General of RT , said: We were all really saddened this morning to hear of the passing of our colleague and friend Colm Murray. The courage that Colm has shown over these past couple of years has been truly extraordinary. The news is all the more poignant given the recent sudden passing of his sister Cathy, who also worked in our newsroom. He will rightly be remembered by the horse racing community for his enthusiasm and authority. For all who worked with him in RT he will be remembered as a wonderful colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Colm's family today.

LINK:	http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2013/0730/46543...
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