The death has taken place of RTÉ broadcaster and journalist Bill O’Herlihy. He passed away peacefully at home this morning. He was 76.
Bill was the much-loved presenter of RTÉ’s coverage of the Olympic Games, World Cups and European Football Championships.
Last summer’s World Cup final between Germany and Argentina saw Bill retire after a television career spanning five decades.
Noel Curran, Director-General, RTÉ, said: “Everyone in RTÉ is devastated at today’s news. 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."
RTÉ's tribute to Bill which was broadcast on his retirement last year
Born in Cork, Bill O’Herlihy became a journalist at 16, writing for the Cork Examiner. His first broadcast for RTÉ was a piece commemorating the sinking of the Lusitania off the Cork coast for Newsbeat in 1965. He later worked on 7 Days. In 1973, he founded the O'Herlihy Communications Group.
As RTÉ's chief sports presenter for major events, Bill led RTÉ’s coverage of several Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups, UEFA European Football Championships and European and World Track and Field Championships.
Click here to view our gallery of Bill down the years
Bill O’Herlihy presented ten World Cups for RTÉ, including Brazil 2014, and ten Olympics Games. Bill also presented the first Rugby World Cup on RTÉ television as well as co-presenting the very first Sunday Game with Jim Carney in 1979.
BIll won a Jacob's award for his presentation of the 1990 World Cup, and was Irish Sports Journalist of the Year 2003. In 2007 he was named the Irish Film and Television Academy's Television Personality of the Year.
Bill anchored his final World Cup last year and was working on a new show for RTÉ One at the time of his passing.
