Liam Brady to retire from RTÉ panel after 25-year tenure
Eamon, Bill, John, and Liam Credit: RTÉ
Legendary Irish footballer and longstanding RTÉ soccer panelist, Liam Brady, has announced his retirement from television punditry, marking an end to an illustrious 25-year career.
The announcement came ahead of tonight's Euro Qualifier between Ireland and Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium.
Brady created a successful partnership with Eamon Dunphy and John Giles under the late Bill O'Herlihy's stewardship.
Speaking about his retirement, Brady said: "I have had the most amazing time working on RTÉ’s football coverage over the last 25 years and it is now fitting that I draw it to a close."
Brady reflected on several career highlights, including Zidane and France's triumph in 1998, Manchester United's win in 1999, and Liverpool's stunning comeback in 2005.
He also expressed fond memories of the commentary box in Paris when his beloved Arsenal led Barcelona, only to be overturned by Henrik Larsson's game-changing appearance.
Brady stated he will miss his colleagues, from his playing days companions Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, and Jim Beglin, to recent additions to the panel like Richard Sadlier, Kevin Doyle, Damien Duff, and Shay Given.
He concluded his statement by expressing gratitude to RTÉ, "It was a pleasure to work with them and RTÉ. I want to wish all in RTÉ Sport the very best for the future. Thanks for the memories."
Reacting to Brady's announcement, Head of Sport at RTÉ, Declan McBennett, lauded Brady as a "truly great player and a tremendous pundit who brought enormous insight and wisdom to the role of analyst."
McBennett praised Brady's fearless approach to tackling issues and his immense contribution to enhancing RTÉ's coverage over the past 25 years.
He concluded, "In the quartet of Giles, Brady, McGrath and Keane, Liam occupies his place in Irish sporting immortality."
