Bill O’Herlihy: A man of charm and humanity

IT is possible to argue that, with the possible exception of Michael O’Hehir, Bill O’Herlihy was the broadcaster most universally welcome in Irish homes over the last 50 years.

Others might reach to claim that crown but the modesty and humanity that defined all of O’Herlihy’s many careers — and gilded his lightly worn professionalism — put him in a pretty thinly populated category.

Though he became best known as a sports journalist, he wore many hats with considerable aplomb. An émigré from this parish he began his career in newspapers and had a considerable influence in Irish politics, public relations, broadcasting and news journalism.