One of Ireland’s most beloved sports broadcasters, Michael Lyster, has died at the age of 71.
The Galway native joined RTÉ in 47 years ago and was anchor on RTÉ’s “Sunday Game” for 34 years before retiring in 2018 after a mesmeric career as a broadcaster and television host.
As well as GAA, Michael also was a key presenter in the station’s coverage of the Olympic Games and other major events, and was an avid motoring fan, having taken part himself in the Circuit of Ireland Rally.
A minute's silence was held before Galway's match with Dublin in the Allianz Football League in his memory
As part of his schedule he also anchored coverage at various times for horse racing, motorsport, greyhound racing, athletics, rugby and soccer.
President Catherine Connolly led tributes to the popular RTE personality on his passing. “Michael was a familiar presence in almost every household in the country and will forever be synonymous with Gaelic games coverage following his 34 years as presenter of the ‘Sunday Game.’
“His warm presenting style and expert chairing of analysis was a central part of so many memorable matches over the years. May I extend my deepest condolences to Michael's wife, Anne, his children Mark, Jack, Rebecca and Ellen, and all of his family, friends and colleagues."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also offered his condolences: “I'm deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Lyster, a modernizer of sport broadcasting.The iconic anchor of ‘The Sunday Game,’ Michael was synonymous with many outstanding sporting moments, especially in the Olympics and Gaelic games. Condolences to his wife Anne and family."
RTÉ director-general Kevin Bakhurst added: "I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Lyster today. Michael was an absolute gentleman, and a wonderful broadcaster who loved sport in general and Gaelic games, in particular.
"On The Sunday Game, Michael was at the heart of RTÉ's GAA coverage of so many great games, as well as engaging panel discussions over many years which will live long in the memory.”
Michael Lyster is survived by his wife Anne, sons Mark and Jack and daughters Ellen and Rebecca. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
