Tributes pour in for 'giant of sports broadcasting' O’Herlihy

Tributes are pouring in for Bill O’Herlihy, the retired RTE broadcaster who passed away today, aged 76.

O’Herlihy had been a fixture on Irish screens for almost 50 years, in a career in sport that took in 10 World Cups.

Former RTÉ broadcaster Bill O'Herlihy has died aged 76. pic.twitter.com/JnD2gqRuaE

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 25, 2015

He had retired from broadcasting last July, at the end of the World Cup.

Shocked to hear of Bill O Herlihys death, icon of Irish sport my thoughts and prayers are with his family #okeydokey

— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) May 25, 2015

We'll leave it there so. RIP Bill O'Herlihy - a giant of sports broadcasting #okeydoke

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) May 25, 2015

Everyone @CorkEveningEcho extends sympathy to family of Bill O' Herlihy, legendary #RTE broadcaster + former Echo sub-editor Rest In Peace

— Maurice Gubbins (@MauriceGubbins) May 25, 2015

Very sad news about the passing of Bill O'Herlihy. RIP.

— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) May 25, 2015

Dreadfully sad news of the death of broadcasting great Bill O'Herlihy. My condolences to his family. #rip

— Senator Alison Comyn (@alisoncomyn) May 25, 2015

Terrible news that Bill O'Herlihy has passed away. Outstanding presenter and even better man. Honoured to have worked with him. RIP Bill.

— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) May 25, 2015

John Giles, who worked on the RTE soccer panel woth O'Herlihy for many years, told Newstalk radio: "It's a shock. My condolences to the family. It's very sad.''

Michael Ring, junior minister, described the broadcaster and Fine Gael supporter as an absolute gent of a man.

“He was a hard-working, passionate sports presenter, and was a brilliant interviewer and will be missed by all those who had the joy of meeting and working with him,” he said.

Our sincerest condolences to family, friends and work colleagues of Bill O'Herlihy from all here at Inpho photography pic.twitter.com/tFO5o15Qty

— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) May 25, 2015

Gallery: Images from the 49-year broadcasting career of Bill O'Herlihy, who sadly died today. http://t.co/UoGJJZoDJV pic.twitter.com/JIyv8sDvzY

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) 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

So sad to hear of Bill O'Herlihy's passing, our thoughts to his family, friends & colleagues. A legend of sport #RIP pic.twitter.com/RhboucvyVj

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) May 25, 2015

Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Bill O'Herlihy today. A true gent, loved by Irish football fans. RIP pic.twitter.com/ZTAcJeZaqJ

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 25, 2015

We are all in shock here at the sad news of our colleague and friend Bill O'Herlihy. Our thoughts are with Hilary and the family. #RIPBill

— Tony O'Donoghue (@Corktod) May 25, 2015

His colleagues at Insight Consultants said they were “deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear friend and colleague Bill O’Herlihy”.

Earlier this month the Cork native had been honoured with the Spirit of Cork Award 2015.