George Hamilton to provide commentary on new channel after RTÉ Sport departure
Sports New Hamilton Up Role A Is Premier To George Take With
The voice of Irish football, George Hamilton, is set to take up a new role with Premier Sports after leaving RTÉ Sport.
The commentator revealed on Wednesday his contract with RTÉ Sport ended after Euro 2024. He is still involved with RTÉ, hosting a Lyric FM radio show.
Hamilton, 74, said he still enjoyed commentating and still felt like he had the voice to call games.
"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.
“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," Hamilton told the .
Hamilton's first commentating duties with Premier Sport will be a Europa League tie between Manchester United and Twente on September 25.
Hamilton's commentary on Ireland's soccer games has become part of the country's lexicon — from "danger here" to "the nation holds its breath".
Mr Hamilton's first commentating duties with Premier Sport will be a Europa League tie between Manchester United and Twente.
Ryle Nugent, a former colleague of Hamilton’s as Head of RTÉ Sport, is now Premier Sports Ireland chief executive.
“It was well known in the industry that his contract at RTÉ was up at the end of the Euro 2024 finals," said Mr Nugent of their reunion.
“George and I spoke about a potential opportunity with Premier Sports. The hook was Manchester United participating in the Europa League, games we'll be televising live in Ireland. George, who is a Manchester United fan, agreed.
“Our arrangement is for the eight Manchester United games. We will review things at this stage and take it from there.
“George's standing and history with Irish audiences as a football commentator is unparalleled in this country - we’re delighted to launch our coverage with him.”