BILL O’HERLIHY HAS steered clear of his sign-off catchphrase for most of this World Cup but the RTÉ presenter should sign off with his final ‘We’ll leave it there so’ this evening.
O’Herlihy will retire from the RTÉ football panel following the Argentina v Germany match but hopes to be involved, in a reduced capacity, with broadcasting and producing television shows, ala Gay Byrne, for some years yet.
The Cork native made his first TV broadcast 49 years ago and moved to the sports department in advance of the 1972 Olympics. His involvement as RTÉ football host began, full-time in 1978 and he was immediately joined by Eamon Dunphy. John Giles followed in 1984 and Liam Brady joined the panel in 1998.
Here are some of the best images of O’Herlihy at the helm.
Munich Olympics in 1972
Out from behind the tuck-shop counter
Calling the shots in 1974
Sports Stadium in 1974
O’Herlihy and Dunphy natter during World Cup ’78
The famous red jumper of Italia ’90
Presenting Paul McGrath with a World Cup best player award
During the Euro 2008 Qualifiers
All pictures courtesy of RTÉ.
He has been a sensational presenter along with the panel provides great entertainment and analysis. Compare this with the nonsense and crap on BBC and ITV. “we leave it there so ” happy retirement Bill.
I will miss him rising up Giles and Dumphy by starting a sentence with the word “statistically”
He had another gem the other night while chatting to Liam Brady about Arsenal youth, passively suggesting that they kill off the talent of great young technical players.
He mightnt be a sports expert but he knows enough to wind up the 3 lads.
He was always an expert at what button to press to get the boys fired up. Sacrificing himself at times and making himsef look an idiot for the questions he asked. He always put the show and entertainment values ahead of any self importance. He was an excellent presenter.
He Never claimed to be an expert on football and openly admits it. There from journalistic point of view and that’s why it’s magic. If your irish and don’t love Bill you’ve serious issues man. Best thing about Rte are them 4 lads. ..
Caption on first (Argentina 78) pic should be Liam Nolan not Michael O’Hehir as far as I can tell.
Yeah, that’s Liam,
Yep but who is the 3rd man on the panel, with Dunphy and Liam Tuohy, I think it’s …….? Anyone.
Best moment was analysing the euro 88 final. He was astonished when the others showed that Van Basten had signalled with his hand behind his back where the through-ball should be placed – “that…but that, that’s amazing!”.
An absolutely garbage football presenter with zero knowledge of modern day football!!
Not so sharp there Dave
Austin Allegro!! Really that’s the best you came up with?? Sad!! He is garbage but sentiment has faded your judgement!!
You applying for the job dave. Which parts of modern football does he not get?
They see me trollin’ the haters…
This coming from you sharp that commented earlier that one of the biggest clubs in the world is an average club as you put it … Pot calling the kettle black there ..think your mixing Billo up with yourself .. Let’s leave there so …
I said average team!! That’s factual!! They are a massive club!! No doubt but are an average side!! Get your facts straight!!
Twenty, I think Bill says Let’s leave IT there so….rather than Let’s leave there……simpleton!!
A bit like yourself
Wow Bolger chimes in with a classic!! That’s a nice one there!! Dimwit!! What’s next, my brother is bigger etc etc?? Clown!!!!
Oh …. I’m just shaking in my boots now …
Your an embarrassment Sharp
Why would you be shaking in your boots?? Very odd!!
Johnny, why?? Because I am not going to ignore the fact Herlihy as a gormless fool who knew nothing about football?? Yeah. I’m the fool here!!
Because you a real hard man keyboard warrior ..
Who would you replace him Dave?
Himself of course, An Inquiring Mind – to be a quality sports anchor at this level takes the kind of sublime observation, guile, temperament, extreme humbleness and depthless levels of humility that Sharp obviously has in spades – look at his previous responses above where he avoids, at all costs, tumbling into foul-mouthed tirades of gutter-sniping bitterness and blunderbuss against those who question his balanced opinion – a role model to us all.
Twenty, again you are mistaking an opinion with some form of attack on you. Were you bullied as a child or something?? So I say Herlihy was rubbish and you have a fit?? Strange!!
You have no class or respect Mr Sharp..the man has said he never pretended to be a football expert and I for one would prefer to watch “gormless” Bill any day over the ex pro Gary Lineker and that idiot Adrian Chiles..