RIP Bill O'Herlihy

Very sad news to start the week as Hot Press learns that Bill O'Herlihy died this morning at the age of 76.
An icon of sports broadcasting in this country, he retired from RTÉ following last year's World Cup, bringing to an end an illustrious 49-year career that began, aged 16, working as a journalist for the Cork Examiner.
He is perhaps best known for presenting the national broadcaster's football coverage, alongside pundits John Giles, Liam Brady and Eamon Dunphy.
“Bill was a brilliant broadcaster,“ Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “The quality of the punditry on football here, with the first team panel John Giles, Eamon Dunphy and Liam Brady in particular, has been far and away the best in these islands for a long time. The three ’wise men’ as they have been dubbed, are of course central to that. But Bill O’Herlihy always chaired the discussions in a brilliantly open and permissive way.
"He had a wonderfully wry sense of humour. And while he never claimed to be an expert on the beautiful game, he always succeeded in finding the right question to bring out the best in the panel. There were times when he had to deal with situations that were close to broadcasting anarchy, but he always adroitly prevented civil war breaking out. Well, almost always!
“The nuanced skill and genuine intelligence that he brought to the role mark him out as one of the greatest Irish broadcasters ever. As his very able successor Darragh Moloney has discovered, he was a very hard act to follow. Bill's legacy is a proud one. He will always be remembered fondly and with great affection by everyone in Ireland who loves football."
"Everyone in RTÉ is devastated at today’s news," says RTÉ Director General Noel Curran. "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."
"We are all in shock here at the sad news of our colleague and friend," adds fellow RTÉ sportscaster Tony O'Donoghue. "Our thoughts are with Hilary and the family."
Former Liverpool player Didi Hamann proffers: "Terrible news that Bill has passed away. Outstanding presenter and even better man. Honoured to have worked with him."
All of Après Match are devastated," proffers Risteard Cooper on behalf of the team. "What a broadcasting colossus and what a gentleman. Love to his family."
"The man who guided us all through every major football event of the past 30 years has gone," reflects actor Simon Delaney. "A sad day."
"Saddened at the news of Bill O'Herlihy," says Nicky Byrne. "Childhood memories of Golden Irish sporting moments. Bill was always at the helm. Thank you, Bill."
Here's a montage of memorable moments from the man, put together in 2014 to mark his retirement.
May he rest in peace.