Statement by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD on the death of Bill O’Herlihy

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of Bill O’Herlihy.

“Throughout his career in the media, Bill was a consummate professional, both in current affairs journalism and, latterly in sports broadcasting.
In his role in RTE sport, Bill O’Herlihy was central to many of Ireland’s international sporting occasions and became a national treasure.

“He loved his work and his family, and never forgot his Cork roots, or lost his Cork accent.

“In recent years, he has devoted much of his time to public service in his role as Chair of the Irish Film Board, in which he was a strong advocate of Irish film-making.

“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.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Bill’s beloved wife Hillary, daughters Jill and Sally and his grandchildren on their great loss.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”