BILL O’HERLIHY HAS steered clear of his sign-off catchphrase for most of this World Cup but the RTÉ presenter should sign off with his final ‘We’ll leave it there so’ this evening.

O’Herlihy will retire from the RTÉ football panel following the Argentina v Germany match but hopes to be involved, in a reduced capacity, with broadcasting and producing television shows, ala Gay Byrne, for some years yet.

The Cork native made his first TV broadcast 49 years ago and moved to the sports department in advance of the 1972 Olympics. His involvement as RTÉ football host began, full-time in 1978 and he was immediately joined by Eamon Dunphy. John Giles followed in 1984 and Liam Brady joined the panel in 1998.

Here are some of the best images of O’Herlihy at the helm.

Munich Olympics in 1972

Michael O'Hehir and O'Herlihy. No doubt about the pecking order here.

Out from behind the tuck-shop counter

'Who left their matches here?'

Calling the shots in 1974

'Yes, I'd like to order more pipe tobacco, a bigger stapler and a novelty mug please'

Sports Stadium in 1974

With co-host Irene Fenton.

O’Herlihy and Dunphy natter during World Cup ’78

'Two points from two games? Brazilian football is dead and buried baby'

The famous red jumper of Italia ’90

Very Dire Straits set-up.

Presenting Paul McGrath with a World Cup best player award

Well deserved for the Black Pearl of Inchicore.

During the Euro 2008 Qualifiers

Pictured here in 2007. Five years after World Cup 2002 and five years before Euro 2012 yet ever optimistic.

All pictures courtesy of RTÉ.

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