Updated 14 July, 8.05am
RTÉ’S LEGENDARY SPORTS anchor Bill O’Herlihy hung up his mic tonight after a long and distinguished career in broadcasting.
Signing off after Germany won the 2014 World Cup against Argentina, 75-year-old Billo finished with this short speech:
“That’s it for the World Cup coverage and that’s it from me too.
“I take my leave with so many great memories through more than 40 years of sports broadcasting. I’ve been lucky to be part of a huge, positive development in RTÉ sports coverage that got so many great occasions to the public but my work on soccer, and most especially with the Three Amigos here, has been the great highlight of my career.
“Eamon and I have soldiered together since the 70s, John since the 80s and Liam from the 90s. You’ve brought knowledge, insight, controversy and greatly importantly, a sense of fun to our coverage which by any measurement has been outstandingly successful.
“Of course we’ve had our differences like when I sometimes lost the run of myself and imagined I was an analyst rather than an anchor and I got very much put in my place, but I’ve had so much fun over the years, learned so much about football and frankly, and there’s no doubt about this, I have piggybacked on the talent of these three gentlemen.
“Through working with them I have been privileged to serve you, the viewer, and you have been astonishingly generous down through the years. I thank you for that.
“Now I leave the studio and I’ll view your work from the other side of the screen. I wish you continued success but like the Skibbereen Eagle, I’ll be keeping an eye on you.
“So we’ll leave it there so. Okey doke.
“Good night and God bless.”
First published 13 July, 11.40pm
North Kildare socks please Dev
@kieran horgan: ….yeah, not the worst colours ever put together
Great to see an Irish presence in the squad this week . Last week was the French barbarians.
Great to see Adam Byrne get a shot , Leinster didn’t do him any favours the last while with game time , hopefully he kicks on in Connacht next season
@Michael Uzice: he’s been injured on and off for a long time.
@Michael Uzice: He’s always injured plus he’s had some very good wingers ahead of him James Lowe, Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O’Brien, Rory O’Loughlin who have all been fit
@Chris Mc: granted he has had his injury set backs but a great player when fit Chris .
@Harry O’Callaghan: I’m not disputing who’s ahead of him in pecking order all I’m pointing out is that Leinster management didnt give him much game time lately and he was not injured .
No funny business out of number 1 hopefully!
“Can I play Fly half?”
“Sure, Devin. Sure.”
@Mick O’Shea: I’m wondering if hel try to back heel a conversion.
@Mick O’Shea: Lol!… Shin kick into the car park
@James Daly: I’m hoping he’s practicing his drop-kicks this week :)
Class
Wonder if he’ll win a lineout…against Spain….God love them. They can only hope he’s a long night out