George Hamilton to return for Serbia conflict however commentating run ends in Portugal

A notable absence from today’s World Cup qualifier in Faro will be RTÉ’s legendary commentator George Hamilton.

The national broadcaster will instead have Darragh Maloney describing the ongoing action from the Portugal v Ireland game, flanked by co-commentator Ronnie Whelan.

Maloney is better known for moderating the panel at the Montrose headquarters, but that responsibility will be taken on by Peter Collins. Liam Brady and Didi Hamann will provide the analysis from the studio, while Ireland wants to score points on the board on the third try.

Since joining RTÉ in 1984, Hamilton has covered Ireland’s top competitive international players and is best remembered for his famous phrase “The Nation Holds Its Breath” seconds before Dave O’Leary converted a penalty in Italia ’90.

He was RTÉ’s number one commentator on Ireland Games, except in cases where major tournament lists Jimmy Magee intervened.

Hamilton was also lauded in the summer for his commentary on the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy at Wembley, which also resulted in a shootout.

RTÉ have confirmed that Des Curran will comment on Saturday’s qualifier against Azerbaijan. Hamilton returns to visit Serbia at Aviva Stadium next Tuesday.