WEESHIE Fogarty – the voice of Kerry football and one of the most instantly recognisable personalities in the GAA – has passed away.
The legendary referee turned broadcaster, from O’Sullivan’s Place in Killarney, passed away this Sunday and his death has caused huge upset and regret in the county where he was greatly admired and respected.
In a lifetime devoted to Gaelic games, Weeshie (77) was a player for club and county, a team trainer, selector, a club official, a referee, an analyst a newspaper columnist and, finally, a colourful broadcaster, bringing the game to life in the sitting rooms and kitchens of thousands of homes in his own unique fashion through his commentaries on Radio Kerry.
He won several awards for his broadcasting skills and he had been inducted into the McNamee Awards Hall of Fame in 2016 for his lifelong contribution to the Association.
The Killarney Legion clubman played senior football for Kerry and he won Kerry County Championship medals with East Kerry. He was also on the East Kerry panel that beat Bryansford of Down to win the first All-Ireland club football final in 1971.
He lined out in the green and gold of his beloved Kerry, as a goalkeeper, from 1969 to 1971.
When his playing days ended, Weeshie went on to become one of the top inter-county referees in the country, taking charge of the whistle for three All-Ireland football semi-finals, before turning his hand to broadcasting.
A psychiatric nurse by profession, he worked in St Finan’s Hospital which overlooks Fitzgerald Stadium where he made a seat in the commentary box his own over the last 20 years.
Weeshie’s Terrace Talk programme on Radio Kerry was hugely popular and he has also penned a number of books, including his autobiography, My Beautiful Obsession.
In a statement, Killarney Legion said: “The word legend is sometimes over used but Weeshie Fogarty was a club legend and his passing leaves a huge void”.
He is survived by his wife Joan, son Kieran, daughters Denise and Carolann and his extended family.
Pictures © Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
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