Eamon Dunphy has left RTE.
The veteran broadcaster announced his decision on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon. Dunphy began his punditry career with RTE on their coverage of the 1978 World Cup. He made his final appearance for the station on coverage of the 2018 World Cup final between France and Croatia.
Dunphy announced his exit with two short tweets, which read:
“Two years ago, I decided not to renew my contract with RTÉ Sport. At the time, they prevailed upon me to stay and, in fact, offered me a rise, a small one, to do so. However, before the World Cup I told them this time, I would be leaving.
“I intend to focus on my podcast The Stand which is flourishing and has had over 2.3 million listens since we started. That’s where my energy will now be devoted. In my 40 years with RTÉ, I made many good friends and I wish them the very best for the future.”
(1/2) Two years ago, I decided not to renew my contract with RTÉ Sport. At the time, they prevailed upon me to stay and, in fact, offered me a rise, a small one, to do so. However, before the World Cup I told them this time, I would be leaving.
— Dunphy_Official (@Dunphy_Official) July 25, 2018
(2/2) I intend to focus on my podcast The Stand which is flourishing and has had over 2.3 million listens since we started. That’s where my energy will now be devoted.
In my 40 years with RTÉ, I made many good friends and I wish them the very best for the future.
— Dunphy_Official (@Dunphy_Official) July 25, 2018
The 72-year-old was an apprentice with Manchester United and spent most of his playing career with Millwall. He also made 23 appearances for the Republic of Ireland. Following his retirement from professional football, Dunphy became a journalist and an author.
Along with John Giles, Liam Brady and the late Bill O’Herlihy, Dunphy was a key figure on RTE’s football’s coverage. He said he has decided to focus on his podcast, The Stand, and informed RTE of his decision to walk away before the recent World Cup.
