Death of former RTÉ sports broadcaster, Michael Lyster
Presenter of 'The Sunday Game' for 34 years
Former RTÉ Sport broadcaster Michael Lyster, known to many as the face of Gaelic Games presenting 'The Sunday Game', died this morning, aged 71 years.
Michael Lyster joined RTÉ in 1979 and worked as a sports broadcaster across radio and television until his retirement in 2018, presenting The Sunday Game for 34 years, including throughout Sean Boylan's successfull period with Meath. Meath's Colm O'Rourke was a regular panellist, alongside Pat Spillane of Kerry, and earlier, Joe Lennon of Gormanston and Down, and Galway's Enda Colleran.
He was a veteran broadcaster of RTÉ's coverage of the Olympics, his first being Moscow in 1980 working for Radio Sport, and in 1984 making his television Olympic debut, co-hosting Daybreak LA, RTÉ's first venture into breakfast television.
Michael also presented a wide range of sports programmes for RTÉ, covering horseracing, motorsport, greyhound racing, athletics, rugby and soccer.
He was a passionate rally driving enthusiast for over 20 years, partaking in all the main events including the Cork International Rally, the Circuit of Ireland Rally and the Killarney Rally of the Lakes.
He is survived by his wife Anne and four children, sons Mark and Jack and daughters Ellen and Rebecca.
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, said: "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's calm, fair and professional style, along with his great sense of humour and fun endeared him to so many fans and colleagues alike. My thoughts are with his family and many friends at this sad time. May he rest in peace."
Declan McBennett, Group Head of RTÉ Sport, said: "Michael will forever be remembered as the face of The Sunday Game bringing the GAA’s greatest moments to a national audience. Always calm, measured and the consummate professional he managed and guided the panels across the biggest days in the GAA calendar with poise and grace. Those who worked with him in RTÉ will treasure his friendship and his easy manner in dealing with the pressure of the most intense days in sport."
President Catherine Connolly said: "It is with the greatest sadness that people all over Ireland will have learned of the death of Michael Lyster. 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."