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Football

25th May 2015

Irish sporting world left reeling as Bill O’Herlihy passes away

Okey Doke, we'll leave it there so

Patrick McCarry

A sad passing of a great sporting broadcaster.

The nation is coming to terms, this afternoon, with the news that former RTE reporter and presenter Bill O’Herlihy has passed away.

The news of the 76-year-old’s unfortunate passing was broken shortly before midday.

O’Herlihy only stepped away from the presenting job, which he loved so much, after the 2014 World Cup.

***IMAGES AND RELEASE EMBARGOED UNTIL 11.00PM*** REPRO FREE***PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE*** WeÕll Leave It There So Ð Broadcasting Legend Bill OÕHerlihy Retires, RTE Studios, Dublin 13/7/2014 Bill O'Herlihy pictured outside RTE ahead of the FIFA 2014 World Cup Final as he prepares for his final broadcast for RTE Television Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Steve Langan

The state broadcaster confirmed the news at 12:1o;

The death has taken place of RTÉ broadcaster and journalist Bill O’Herlihy who passed away peacefully at home this morning.

Bill was the much-loved presenter of RTÉ’s coverage of the Olympic Games, World Cups and European Football Championships. Last summer’s World Cup final between Germany and Argentina saw Bill retire after a television career spanning five decades.

This RTE tribute to O’Herliy aptly sums up his Irish sport, popular culture and society.

More to follow.

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