Former RTÉ sports broadcaster Bill O'Herlihy has died at the age of 76.
He retired last year after 49 years on air - including covering 10 World Cups and 10 Olympic Games.
O'Herlihy (76) became a journalist at 16, writing for the Cork Examiner. His first broadcast for RTÉ was a piece a commemorating the sinking of the Lusitania off the Cork coast for Newsbeat in 1965.
He later worked on the programme '7 Days', but moved away from news a year after an episode of the programme on illegal money lending became the subject of a tribunal of inquiry.
In 1973, he founded the O'Herlihy Communications Group.
He was RTÉ's chief sports presenter for major events such as Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups, UEFA European Football Championships and European and World Track and Field Championships.
He 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.
He won a Jacob's award for his presentation of the 1990 World Cup, Irish Sports Journalist of the Year 2003, and in 2007 he was named the Irish Film and Television Academy's Television Personality of the Year.
He is survived by his wife and his daughters, Jill and Sally.
George Hook, speaking to Newstalk Lunchtime, said Bill was hugely important to him when he was a 'rookie' broadcaster.
Soccer pundit and longtime friend, John Giles, told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk it comes as a great shock.
John Giles, Eamon Dunphy and Bill O’Herlihy in 1998 | Image: Photocall Ireland
Tributes
The Taoiseach says he is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Bill O'Herlihy. who he has described as a national treasure.
In a statement this afternoon Enda Kenny says throughout his career Bill was a consummate professional who was central to many sporting occasions.
"On a personal level, Bill and I have been good friends for many years and I will miss his friendship and support. He was the quintessential decent, kind and generous Irish man", he added.
President Michael D Higgins says Bill made a remarkable contribution to journalism, public relations and broadcasting over 60 years, and that his rapport with sports fans all around the country was legendary.
President Higgins said the broadcaster was "extremely professional in every detail of his work and knowledgeable in his endeavours; however, it was his unique capacity for humour which he used to connect with diverse audiences, which made him so special."
Former Taoiseach John Bruton has also paid tribute.
"Bill was truly a man of many talents. While others can pay more eloquent tributes than I can, to his genius as a broadcaster and entrepreneur, I remember his willingness to take a clear political stand in the early 1980's, while others, for perfectly understandable commercial reasons, kept their opinions to themselves," he said in a statement.
"This was brave, risky, and patriotic and it showed the true character of the man."
"I extend sympathy to his wife , Hilary , and his entire family," he added.
In a statement, RTÉ director-general Noel Curran 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," he added.
Watch a tribute to Bill O'Herlihy's broadcasting career which was aired when he retired in July last year:
Tributes have been paid on social media:
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
Very sad to hear of the passing of Bill O'Herlihy, I know he liked this picture so posting again as tribute to him. pic.twitter.com/uG2inSScfR
— Niall O'Loughlin (@nialloloughlin) 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
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bill O'Herlihy. A true legend of broadcasting and Irish sport. #RIPBill pic.twitter.com/sg7LGGMM49
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) May 25, 2015
