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Football

13th Jun 2016

This Bill O’Herlihy inspired flag would bring a tear to a glass eye

Bittersweet

Robert Redmond

It won’t be the same without him, but Ireland fans haven’t forgotten Bill O’Herlihy.

The popular sport presenter and journalist sadly passed away last May, a year after retiring from his role with RTE.

The Republic of Ireland’s game against Sweden on Monday afternoon will be the first time O’Herlihy won’t be anchoring coverage of an Ireland fixture at a major tournament.

Bill was there for the European Championships in ’88 and 2012, the World Cup in ’90,’94 and 2002, many of which featured games that were the most watched television events of the respective year. He was much loved and respected by viewers

While O’Herlihy won’t be there for the Sweden game today, these Irish fans in Paris honoured his memory with this flag featuring an image of ‘Billo’ during the broadcast when Ireland beat Romania on penalties in Italia ’90.

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There were tributes to Bill in Paris, including these lads inspired by his catchphrase.

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Here’s the tribute RTE put together for Bill following his retirement in 2014.

Okey Doke.

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