Ted end for Walsh on RTE

Anyone with a personality or a brain is out blasts Dunphy after exit of racing pundit

- SANDRA MALLON

EAMON Dunphy has accused RTE of “destroying” its sport coverage — as he paid an emotional tribute to “national treasure” Ted Walsh.

The famous father of jockeys Ruby, Ted Jr and Katie Walsh stunned viewers and colleagues when he announced his retirement after 40 years on the final day of the Punchestown Racing Festival on Saturday.

Reacting to Walsh’s retirement, a devastated Dunphy said Ted will never be replaced – saying he believes the world of punditry was being “destroyed” as people with big personalities leave.

He told us: “I know Ted very well. I think he had a superb television presence with his knowledge, his personality, straight talking always.

“There will never be another Ted Walsh. He’s highly respected in the horse business, like all his family.

“He’s still training winners. He’s a marvellous man. One of the treasures of the country. He’d go mad if I called him a national treasure, but he really is. He’s a great judge of horses and his father was before that. His father was also a trainer.”

The ex-Republic of Ireland international thought it was “terribly sad” to see Ted go. He said: “I think it is terribly sad. There is no reason at all. Ted is brilliant and he will be badly missed by viewers.”

The outspoken Dubliner slammed RTE Sport, saying they “appear to want to destroy” the nature of punditry – as he agreed with Joe Brolly’s recent remarks about The Sunday Game’s coverage.

Dunphy said: “Their coverage of sport had been very good traditionally. They appear to want to destroy it. It applies to soccer, racing now with Ted, the GAA with Pat Spillane and ( Joe) Brolly. Anyone with a personality is out – or a brain.