Really terrible news today.
Irish broadcasting legend Bill O’Herlihy has passed away at the age of 76, less than a year since retiring from anchoring RTÉ’s football coverage. The Corkman was taken ill at the Irish Film and Television Awards last night in Dublin’s Mansion House, and sadly passed away this morning.
O’Herlihy covered numerous Olympic Games for RTÉ, and ran his own PR company, O’Herlihy Communications, but will be most fondly remembered for RTÉ’s football coverage alongside Eamon Dunphy, John Giles and Liam Brady.
Giles was on Pat Kenny’s Newstalk show earlier today and paid tribute to his friend and former colleague, saying it was a ‘great shock’.
‘I was with Bill at a do recently, and he was as-right-as-rain, he was in good humour, as he usually was. It’s a shock. I offer my condolences to the family.
‘From what I gather he was out playing golf recently, and he loved his golf, he was very, very active. It’s a great shock and very, very sad for the family’.
‘We piggy-backed on his talents,’ Giles told the Irish Independent later today. ‘The panellists are only as good as the presenters and Bill was brilliant. He could take a joke… Eamon could say that’s a load of rubbish or I could say,’that’s a load of rubbish Bill’ and it never bothered him. It was his job to get the best out of the pundits and panellists which he did. He didn’t put himself first, he didn’t pretend to be an expert on football’.
“He asked what many people would think were silly questions but he knew exactly what he was doing on that’.
RTE also released a statement, in which director general Noel Curran echoed Giles’ sentiments:
Noel Curran, Director-General, RTÉ, said: “Everyone in RTÉ is devastated at today’s news. Bill O’Herlihy was a giant of the sporting and broadcasting worlds in this country. His contribution to broadcasting was utterly unique. For decades he was at the centre of some of Ireland’s greatest sporting moments. He never hid his emotions on those big occasions, from disappointment to utter joy, and for this he was greatly loved. But he was also a fantastic broadcaster and interviewer, getting the very best out of his interview panels and provoking debate and insight, and for this he was also hugely admired. Our sincere sympathies go to Bill’s wife Hillary, daughters Jill and Sally, grandchildren, family, friends and colleagues.”
Bill anchored his final World Cup last year and was working on a new show for RTÉ One at the time of his passing.
Thanks for the memories, Bill. Here’s how Twitter paid tribute:
Shocked to hear of Bill O Herlihys death, icon of Irish sport my thoughts and prayers are with his family #okeydokey
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) May 25, 2015
Terrible news that Bill O'Herlihy has passed away. Outstanding presenter and even better man. Honoured to have worked with him. RIP Bill.
— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) May 25, 2015
RIP Bill O'Herlihy, you absolute legend. #okeydoke 😢 pic.twitter.com/buOkZ4F9ak
— Back Page Football (@bpfootball) May 25, 2015
Former RTÉ broadcaster Bill O'Herlihy has died aged 76. pic.twitter.com/JnD2gqRuaE
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/gerfreer/status/602794218470436864
RIP Bill O'Herlihy.A skilled broadcaster,referee to Messrs Giles & Dunphy & genuine fan.Thanks for memories Bill. pic.twitter.com/j4c7t2w8kO
— Irish Football Pics (@irish_pics) May 25, 2015
Sad to hear One of the sports presenting greats Bill O'Herlihy has passed away .#RIPBill #okeydokey
— Eoin Cadogan (@cads3) May 25, 2015
So sad Bill O'Herlihy has passed away after retiring from RTE so recently. Two giants of broadcasting, Bill and Derek Davis, gone too soon.
— Colette Browne (@colettebrowne) May 25, 2015
He gave us so many memories. RIP Bill O'Herlihy #Legend #OkeyDoke pic.twitter.com/cjJZsKxyfQ
— YBIG (@YouBoysInGreen) May 25, 2015
Christ, Bill O'Herlihy has passed away. I'm numb #Okidoke my condolences to his family. The tribute to him after World Cup 2014 was class
— Dave McGinley (@dcr22B) May 25, 2015
Very sad to hear Bill O'Herlihy has passed away.. Huge sympathies to family.. #RIP
— Ronan Murphy (@Smarttech01) May 25, 2015
Shocked to hear about Bill O'Herlihy You couldn't have met a nicer man. #RIPBill
— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) May 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/Sean_Fay/status/602791162638925825
Shocking news. Sad day. RIP Bill O'Herlihy. pic.twitter.com/0h56SwSKWJ
— George Hamilton (@HamiltonRTE) May 25, 2015
Bill O'Herlihy has passed away suddenly. RIP. Huge sympathies to family, friends and colleagues in RTE and PR. pic.twitter.com/J40Y1mbOBU
— Darragh Doyle (@darraghdoyle) May 25, 2015
We are all in shock here at the sad news of our colleague and friend Bill O’Herlihy. Our thoughts are with Hilary and the family. #RIPBill
— Tony O’Donoghue (@Corktod) May 25, 2015
Very sad to hear of the passing of Bill O’Herlihy, I know he liked this picture so posting again as tribute to him. pic.twitter.com/uG2inSScfR — Niall O’Loughlin (@nialloloughlin) May 25, 2015
Devastating news on the death of our friend and colleague Bill O’Herlihy. Broadcasting was his passion. Family was his joy. Thanks Billo.
— Ryle Nugent (@RyleNugentRTE) May 25, 2015
