Image of Bill O'Herlhy via RTÉ
Following the news of the sudden passing of legendary RTÉ presenter Bill O’Herlihy, the people of Ireland have taken to Twitter to offer their sympathies and remember the much-loved Cork man.
Aged 76, Bill had only retired from his role as anchor of RTE’s soccer coverage last year, having taken up the role with the Irish broadcaster in 1978.
Alongside the regular panel of retired footballers Johnny Giles, Liam Brady and Eamon Dunphy, Bill was well-known for being the person to ‘throw in the grenade’ when it came to drawing out controversial statements from the ever-emotional panel.
It was an emotional farewell for the presenter last year, who had announced he was to retire following the hosting of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and for his retirement RTÉ commissioned a thank you video for the Cork native, which in hindsight offers as good a tribute as any to the man known to the entire country as just ‘Bill’, regardless of whether they were interested in soccer or not.
Unsurprisingly, the shock news has provoked a strong reaction on Twitter, where people from across Ireland offered their condolences to Bill’s family and everyone who knew him personally.
Aw very sad news about Bill O’Herlihy passing away. This video from his last broadcast is so poignant now… http://t.co/yUqUx3NNZB
— Sinéad NíChonaill (@sineadnichonail) May 25, 2015
Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Bill O’Herlihy who has sadly passed away. #RIP #OkeyDoke — Pat Kenny Newstalk (@PatKennyNT) May 25, 2015
He gave us so many memories. RIP Bill O’Herlihy #Legend #OkeyDoke pic.twitter.com/cjJZsKxyfQ
— YBIG (@YouBoysInGreen) May 25, 2015
Met Bill O’Herlihy @sligoweekender sports awards in 2007. We spoke for a half hour. Il never forget it. — JJ Devaney (@JJDevaney) May 25, 2015
Must stop watching Bill O’Herlihy tribute videos, sobbing away here.
— Shane Mc Quillan (@shanesaysthat) May 25, 2015
Nothing was quite like sitting down with Dad and watching the Champions League with Bill O’Herlihy and the lads #RipBill — Patrick Mckiernan (@McPaddy_1) May 25, 2015
Only met the man properly for the first time a couple of weeks ago & what a gent he was. Sorry to hear of his passing. RIP Bill O Herlihy
— Darren Kennedy (@Darrenken) May 25, 2015
All of Après Match are devastated. What a broadcasting colossus and what a gentleman. Love to his family. RIP #Bill O’Herlihy — Risteárd Cooper (@risteardc1) May 25, 2015
The passing of Bill O’Herlihy is a bit like the death of football as we knew & loved it. As Jimmy Magee might say, Different Class. #RIPBill
The passing of Bill O’Herlihy is a bit like the death of football as we knew & loved it. As Jimmy Magee might say, Different Class. #RIPBill
— Jamie O’Keeffe (@jamie_okeeffe1) May 25, 2015
