John Giles and Paul McGrath lead tributes to broadcaster Bill O'Herlihy

Really terrible news today.

Irish broadcasting legend Bill O'Herlihy has passed away at the age of 76, less than a year since retiring from anchoring RTÉ's football coverage. The Corkman was taken ill at the Irish Film and Television Awards last night in Dublin's Mansion House, and sadly passed away this morning. O'Herlihy covered numerous Olympic Games for RTÉ, and ran his own PR company, O’Herlihy Communications, but will be most fondly remembered for RTÉ's football coverage alongside Eamon Dunphy, John Giles and Liam Brady. Giles was on Pat Kenny's Newstalk show earlier today and paid tribute to his friend and former colleague, saying it was a 'great shock'. 'I was with Bill at a do recently, and he was as-right-as-rain, he was in good humour, as he usually was. It's a shock. I offer my condolences to the family. 'From what I gather he was out playing golf recently, and he loved his golf, he was very, very active. It's a great shock and very, very sad for the family'.

'We piggy-backed on his talents,' Giles told the Irish Independent later today. 'The panellists are only as good as the presenters and Bill was brilliant. He could take a joke... Eamon could say that's a load of rubbish or I could say,'that's a load of rubbish Bill' and it never bothered him. It was his job to get the best out of the pundits and panellists which he did. He didn't put himself first, he didn't pretend to be an expert on football'.

"He asked what many people would think were silly questions but he knew exactly what he was doing on that'.

RTE also released a statement, in which director general Noel Curran echoed Giles' sentiments:

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.”

Bill anchored his final World Cup last year and was working on a new show for RTÉ One at the time of his passing. Thanks for the memories, Bill. Here's how Twitter paid tribute:

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

https://twitter.com/DietmarHamann/status/602797488198803456 https://twitter.com/bpfootball/status/602791649542950912 https://twitter.com/RTEsport/status/602794138464034816 https://twitter.com/gerfreer/status/602794218470436864 https://twitter.com/irish_pics/status/602790794085400576 https://twitter.com/cads3/status/602792869343166465 https://twitter.com/colettebrowne/status/602792817090555905 https://twitter.com/YouBoysInGreen/status/602792766066810880 https://twitter.com/dcr22B/status/602790754872856579 https://twitter.com/Smarttech01/status/602790677748043776 https://twitter.com/jimbeglin/status/602799502064558081 https://twitter.com/Sean_Fay/status/602791162638925825 https://twitter.com/HamiltonRTE/status/602807122859040768 https://twitter.com/darraghdoyle/status/602789950225022976

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

Devastating news on the death of our friend and colleague Bill O'Herlihy. Broadcasting was his passion. Family was his joy. Thanks Billo.
— Ryle Nugent (@RyleNugentRTE) May 25, 2015