Weeshie Fogarty has died at the age of 77.
The Radio Kerry broadcaster and commentator's passing was confirmed by his club, Killarney Legion.
"Killarney Legion GAA Club were deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of club member Weeshie Fogarty (March 1941).
"Weeshie has been synonymous with the club throughout his life, he has served the club in every capacity from player, trainer, mentor and officer in the club. Weeshie was a member of the clubs winning O’Donoghue cup team of 1967. Weeshie also represented Kerry with distinction at minor, U-21, Junior and Senior level. Weeshie won an All Ireland Junior medal in 1967 and he was a member of the victorious All Ireland senior winning team of 1969.
"Weeshie also represented East Kerry where he won 4 county championships and one All Ireland club championship. When an unfortunate injury cut short his playing career he turned to refereeing and became one of the leading inter-county referees in the country, taking charge of three all All-Ireland football semi-finals.
"Weeshie was heavily involved in all club activities and was the driving force behind the publication of the book A Legion of memories which detailed the history of the club through its first 50 years.
"Weeshie was of course known throughout the country for his work with Radio Kerry show Terrace Talk, which featured audio interviews with some of Ireland's greatest sporting legends and personalities. Weeshie was awarded a McNamee award in 2004 and he was inducted to McNamee hall of fame in 2016.
"The word legend is sometimes over used but Weeshie Fogarty was a club legend and his passing leaves a huge void in our club. The club would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Joan son Kieran daughters Denise & Carolann and his extended family and his many friends. Funeral details to follow.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Tributes are being paid to a man who was intertwined with Kerry football.
Heartfelt condolences to the family of the delightfully entertaining Weeshie Fogarty, former referee and @radiokerrysport GAA analyst and @terracetalkrk host, who passed away early today. He was 77. A very kind, knowledgeable man who became a radio natural. RIP.
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) November 18, 2018
Genuinely saddened to hear of the death of Weeshie Fogarty this morning, one of the few Kerry people universally known by his first name. He was a mine of knowledge on Kerry football, the voice of the county, and just lovely easy company to be with. RIP.
— Paul Brennan (@Brennan_PB) November 18, 2018
The voice of Kerry football has left us. The impact he made and his generosity of spirit made him an icon. Farewell Weeshie
— Damian Stack (@damianstack) November 18, 2018
I really hope @radiokerrysport do a great tribute show to this man. God did he deserve it. .@radiokerry released an audio cassette of the commentary after the 1997 All Ireland win and Weeshie and the late great Liam Higgins were in fine form tha day pic.twitter.com/pV1yZFOpKJ
— Trevor O' Sullivan (@elvisrockysly) November 18, 2018
We are very saddened to hear this morning of the death of Weeshie Fogarty, who was a columnist with this paper for many years. Weeshie was also a renowned radio broadcaster, an author, a Kerry footballer and, above all, a great family man, and a wonderful friend to all. RIP.
— The Kerryman (@kerryman_ie) November 18, 2018
I’m absolutely devastated to hear that my former Terrace Talk buddy has passed away. Weeshie, you were the best Sports Broadcaster there was. We worked so well on the show together and won many awards and I’ll never forget you. No amount of words are enough. RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/wOJQ9GxrZX
— Ciarán O' Regan (@ciaranoregan) November 18, 2018
Such sad news. RIP Weeshie. A great colleague in my Radio Kerry days. A shared road trip to the Radio Awards in Galway some years ago lives in the memory. May he rest in peace #Weeshie
— Owen O'Shea (@OwenOShea) November 18, 2018
Saddened to hear of the passing of @radiokerry legend Weeshie Fogarty, to this day he’s the only man who got my father, Danny and I into a room for an interview all at once. Weeshie epitomised everything that’s great about Kerry, his passion for sport was heard far and wide #RIP pic.twitter.com/jdBrRi4gzs
— Michael Healy-Rae (@MHealyRae) November 18, 2018
Seamus Murrihy was introduced as a sub for KIB and Weeshie leaned over to ask me if he was the great PJ Murrihy's son and I told him he was.
Quick as lightening Weehsie says "Here comes Seamus Murrihy. His father mowed Pat Murphy's meadow, let's see what he can do on this one!"— Derrick Lynch (@DLynchSport) November 18, 2018
Ah no. Weeshie Fogarty has gone. One of the true GAA originals. Played, coached, refereed (gave the first ever GAA yellow card) and then, for a second act, started working for Radio Kerry when he was 55. What a life. Sleep well Weeshie.
— Malachy Clerkin (@MalachyClerkin) November 18, 2018
A very sad day to hear the news that Weeshie Fogarty has passed away. A friend, a gentleman, a man that loved the company of people. God rest my friend @Kerry_Official @radiokerrysport
— Martin Kiely (@MartinKiely1) November 18, 2018
The old @terracetalkrk crew - I feel a little lost today - I will miss you Weeshie my great friend - deepest sympathies to Joan and family - 😢 pic.twitter.com/0QpM5VR2zJ
— Sylvester Hennessy (@Slyone1069) November 18, 2018
Very sad to hear of the passing of Weeshie Fogarty this morning. Always the gentleman & his love & passion for the Gaa was incredible. Sympathies to his family & friends. https://t.co/TCrdavvXsn
— Darran O'Sullivan (@Darransull86) November 18, 2018
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
