Come Here To Me!

I was saddened to hear of the passing of veteran sports commentator, proud League of Ireland man and all around good guy Philip Greene. Phil had recently celebrated his 90th birthday. The son of a Bohemian FC supporter, Phil himself was a Hoop.

This excellent video tribute to Phil from Shamrock Rovers supporters deserves to be posted. Some classic pieces of Phil’s commentary can be found here, from the RTE archives.

Born in Dublin, Philip Greene began his radio career in the 1940s. He was editor, producer and presenter of the popular “Sports Stadium” programme. His first commentary on a soccer international was the game against Argentina at Dalymount Park in 1951. He went on to cover many famous games for radio, including the 1957 World Cup qualifier against England. A life-long Shamrock Rovers and Manchester United supporter, he also wrote a column in the “Evening Press” newspaper. Although best known as a soccer commentator, Greene also commentated on athletics and cricket, and was Head of Sport in RTÉ Radio. He covered his last soccer international for radio in 1985, the year of his official retirement.