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11th September 2024
01:14pm BST
RTÉ commentator George Hamilton has announced his shock exit from the broadcaster after 40 years.
In an interview with the Irish Independent, Hamilton said: "My contract with RTÉ Sport has expired and my involvement with RTÉ now is with Lyric FM.
"I was in Germany for Euro 2024 and that was my last involvement for RTÉ Sport."
However, the 74-year-old has revealed he isn't retiring from commentating and is taking up a job with Premier Sports.
His first commentating duties for his new employer will be covering the Manchester United Uefa Europa League fixture against Dutch side FC Twente on September 25.
"I’m a bit like the footballer," he said. "The contract runs out and then you go and you get something else, and I’m very happy to have a new chapter in the whole scheme of things.
"I didn’t want to stop doing commentary, because I enjoy it still, and I still think I have a contribution to make, and I’m delighted that Premier Sports think so too.
"My involvement with RTÉ Sport hadn’t been as extensive as it once was, things had changed considerably at RTÉ Sport, and the time came to look around and see what else is there, and that’s what I’ve done."
The Goal of the Year goes to Robbie Brady for this famous header against Italy in Lille! #FAIAwards pic.twitter.com/xGSUmEymaR
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 19, 2017
Hamilton started his career with the BBC before moving full-time to RTÉ in 1984.
The veteran commentator rose to prominence during the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where his phrase "The nation holds its breath" became synonymous with the tournament.
He is also well known for his commentary during Ireland's Euro 2016 game against Italy, which saw Robbie Brady heading home a late winner to secure qualification into the knockout stages.
When asked if he would ever come back to the broadcaster, he replied with "never say never".
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