Eight unforgettable moments.
Today is the 49th anniversary of England’s win over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final and one of the most iconic pieces of commentary in sporting history.
Ireland is fortunate to be blessed by an abundance of radio and television sport broadcasters who know just how to capture the atmosphere of a moment.
We look at some of the most spectacular moments in Irish sport and the commentary that became part of the legend.
Katie Taylor wins Gold, 2012
Jimmy McGee, a hero of Irish sports broadcasting, hit the nail on the head when he said that Katie Taylor might be our greatest ever sportswoman, “and there’s been a few of those.”
Robbie Keane’s last-minute equaliser against Germany, 2002
There’s a noticeable few seconds of silence from George Hamilton and Jim Beglin after Robbie Keane nearly took the net out of Oliver Kahn’s goal, presumably because they were screaming in pure elation.
O’Gara’s drop goal wins Ireland the Grand Slam, 2009
Ryle Nugent nailed the commentary on this one, hollering these words at O’Gara as if giving the out-half an order in a matter of life and death.
Clare force a replay in the dying seconds of the All-Ireland Final, 2013
The only bit of radio commentary on this list, courtesy of Marty Morrissey. Cork had taken a one-point lead in the first of two added minutes, and the clock had all but run out by the time the sliotar was shifted out to Clare corner-back Domhnall O’Donovan…
Houghton puts the ball in an English net, 1988
An understated bit of commentary from an ever-present fixture of Irish football, George Hamilton, maybe most notable for the sheer surprise in the man’s voice as Houghton hit the mythic winner over our old foes.
Tommy Bowe scores Ireland’s second try against Wales, 2009
Another instalment from that momentous match in 2009. O’Gara’s chip sent Tommy Bowe through to score Ireland’s second try in two minutes, turning the game on its head. How Ryle Nugent kept his voice to the end of this game remains a mystery.
Mícháel O Muircheartaigh tells us a bit about Seán Óg O hAilpín
A sublime bit of wit from a consummate pro of sports commentary, and a hilarious dig at the Lake county.
Ireland beat Romania on penalties, 1990
Irish football fans have been through thick and thin with George Hamilton, and never has the tension been thicker than in the seconds before David O’Leary sent us into the quarter-finals of Italia ’90. Hamilton perfectly encapsulated the state of the nation in seven simple words.
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