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End of an era: John Giles to leave RTÉ football panel after Euro 2016

The former Ireland boss is to leave his role as ‘Senior Analyst.’

Updated 13.35

JOHN GILES IS to leave his role as an analyst with RTÉ after Euro 2016.

The broadcaster’s beloved ‘Senior Analyst’, however, is not ready to hang up his punditry hat just yet, confirming he has no plans to retire once the tournament is over.

The 75-year old said, in a statement to The Herald:

“I’ve been approached recently about my position with RTE after the Euros and I want to clear up any speculation.

“In my negotiations with RTE Head of Sport Ryle Nugent last year, he made it clear to me that this was to be the final year of my full-time engagement with RTE. He said that this was designed to allow him to continue the requirement to plan and prepare for the future.

This was perfectly understandable to me and I signed the contract which finishes after the Euro 2016 final in France in good faith. But I want to make it perfectly clear that I’m not retiring or even thinking about it.”

He will continue to work with the Herald as well as his regular slot on Newstalk’s Off the Ball.

His departure, however, ends a 31-year tenure with the state broadcaster after joining in 1985 when he retired from management.

RTÉ’s Head of Sport Ryle Nugent paid tribute to Giles and his “phenomenal” contribution.

“I can confirm that John Giles will be leaving us at the end of our Euro 2016 coverage this summer,” Nugent said in a statement.

John has been an integral and much-loved part of our soccer coverage for over 30 years as well as a respected ambassador for the Irish football family as a whole.

“The Republic of Ireland’s participation in this summer’s tournament and RTÉ Sport’s coverage is an apt occasion for John to bow out at the top and we wish him all the very best with his future endeavours.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside John through some of the most thrilling times for Irish soccer and his contribution to our programming has been phenomenal.

– First published 10.07

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    Mute Carcu Sidub
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    Feb 15th 2013, 4:06 PM

    So thats a 4 week suspension.

    No wait its a 3 plus 1 week suspension.

    No got that wrong again its a 1 plus 3 week suspension.

    Anybody know have I got that right?

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    Mute Damocles
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    Feb 15th 2013, 4:16 PM

    So he wasn’t banned from this weekend as no ban would have been necessary as he wouldn’t have been playing anyway.

    Subsequently some bright spark said “Oh if he isn’t banned this weekend let’s play him.” Which is taking the mickey more than a little.

    Whither sportsmanship?

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    Mute Jim Gildea
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    Feb 15th 2013, 9:09 PM

    Bull. Which is it, 3 or 4 weeks?? These guys make spoofers look like armatures. Why not give him a one week ban starting on 4th March but don’t let him play in the meantime

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    Mute Padriag O'Utraged
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    Feb 16th 2013, 3:49 PM

    That was my point a couple of days ago… needed Vaseline after the amount of red thumbing I got.

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    Mute Matt McNamara
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    Feb 15th 2013, 5:47 PM

    A case of too much Berocca Boost in the boots !!!!

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    Mute Petr Tarasov
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    Feb 15th 2013, 6:16 PM

    Surely there’s a law against that tash.

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    Mute Elrat
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    Feb 15th 2013, 7:50 PM

    Where O where is Five⭐fily ?? Is he/she in hibernation til the Amlin?!!! She/he obviously doesn’t follow our national team – not a whisper !!!

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Feb 16th 2013, 1:40 PM

    Elrat the only time you go missing is when Munster lose other wise your never off Leinster threads, you’d think an ex Munster player like yourself would have something better to do? Maybe make up some more stuff about yourself like flying the spaceshuttle or something else a little more believable than you playing for Munster

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    Mute Tony Woods
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    Feb 16th 2013, 3:21 PM

    You don’t seriously believe Elrat is actually an ex Munster player with 7 whole caps. He’s actually a true blue Leinster fan but just likes to stir things up.

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    Mute Elrat
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    Feb 16th 2013, 5:14 PM

    Is this a Lonster thread – I thought it was about the Irish rugby team ?
    PS enjoy the Amlin !

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Feb 16th 2013, 8:19 PM

    Eh Healy to miss the Leinster game? Sounds like a Leinster topic to me.
    Anyway elrat just watched the munster game, I’d say you’d be in with a shoot of a recall.
    As for the Amlin? Well have a go at it but we had the league to fall back on if don’t win the Amlin.
    After Conor Oshea is finished with your game what competition are you looking to win?

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    Mute Tony Woods
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    Feb 16th 2013, 9:40 PM

    Ah Elrat. I know you’re ironing your Leinster jersey as we speak.

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    Mute Elrat
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    Feb 17th 2013, 12:01 PM

    I’m laughing goys – Munster are still in the Heineken Cup – as for Lonster well I think a good few lean years for them – carrying a lot of baggage!

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Feb 17th 2013, 1:48 PM

    You won’t be in the Heineken cup for much longer and then elrat you have nothing else to play for, it looking like you won’t make the league top 4. So just incase your right and Leinster go through a few Barron years can you tell us that feels it’s been ages since Leinster fans went thought a Barron spell. Elrat your hatred of Leinster makes us laugh

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    Mute Elrat
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    Feb 17th 2013, 4:31 PM

    Laugh away Chris but Lonster will never ever achieve the highs, pride & passion of a Munster team!

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    Mute Elrat
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    Feb 17th 2013, 4:34 PM

    Actually got one signed by sexton wishing me a happy birthday – some pals I’ve got – eh?

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Feb 17th 2013, 6:20 PM

    We have out done your highs, 3 titles my friend. See the difference is we are really disappointed to be out of Europe, because our standards are to win the competition. Your happy with whatever round you get knocked out at as long as you go further than Leinster.

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    Mute Elrat
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    Feb 17th 2013, 6:52 PM

    Try beating the ABs then you can talk of highs !

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    Mute Tony Woods
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    Feb 17th 2013, 7:49 PM

    Did you play in that game for one your mady-uppy caps. I bet you were man of the match and got all the ladies.

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    Mute david barrett
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    Feb 16th 2013, 12:22 AM

    As clear as mud.

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