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06 Sept 2025

The 5 best George Hamilton quotes as iconic commentator leaves RTÉ

Looking back at some of the very best quotes from one of the best to ever do it

The 5 best George Hamilton quotes as iconic commentator leaves RTÉ

Hamilton in action, Photo: Sportsfile

George Hamilton the voice behind Irish soccer for 40 years leaves the RTÉ, we are going to go back and look at the 5 most iconic lines said by the iconic broadcaster.

It was announced on Tuesday evening that Hamilton would cut ties with RTÉ Sport as Hamilton says he could "see the way the wind was blowing" at RTÉ Sport, so he made the decision that his "time had come" working at RTÉ.

With so many quotes synonymous with the commentator we have narrowed it down to just 5.

5. "Robbie Brady brings us all to our feet in Lille"

In Euro 2016 Ireland needed a win against the Italians to make it out of their group. The game was stalemate for the majority of the game until Robbie Brady Steamed into the box and headed in a beautiful cross from the magical left foot of Wes Hoolahan.

4. "Comes straight out to McLoughin. IT'S THERE! McLoughlin has done it!"

In 1993, the Republic of Ireland headed up to Belfast for a World Cup Qualifier against Northern Ireland in Windsor Park. As the Northern Ireland went 1-0 up and chants of "There's only one team in Ireland" rang around the stadium, Alan McLoughlin stroked it home, and sent Ireland to New York for the World Cup.

3. "Real Madrid are like a rabbit in the glare of the headlights in the face of Manchester United's attacks. But this rabbit comes with a suit of armour in the shape of two precious away."

Not much needs to be said about this bit of poetry from Hamilton. Describing how Man United were putting pressure on Madrid who had 2 away goals to fall back on like only he could.

2. "And Houghton with the shot. IT'S THERE! RAY HOUGHTON... bring me back and I'll do the job for you Jack!"

One of the most memorable moments in Irish soccer history and a piece of commentary equally as good to match it. Ray Houghton's long range effort that gave Ireland the win over the Italians in the 1994 World Cup.

1. "The nation holds its breath... YES!!!!"

It was always going to be this moment, it couldn't be any other. With the penalty shootout level at 4-4, with a penalty left for both Romania and Ireland, Packie Bonner's outstretched arm saves it and David O'Leary buries his penalty to send Ireland to the World Cup Quarter Final at Italia '90.

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