Tributes paid to RTE GAA presenter Michael Lyster after his passing
One of the legendary GAA figures of recent times, broadcaster and journalist Michael Lyster, has sadly died at the age of 71. He presented the Sunday Game on RTE for over three decades.The Galway man was one of the most familiar faces in Irish sports over his long career and hosted many memorable editions of the show along with coverage of All Ireland finals.He was born in Dungarvan in Co Waterford in April 1954 but the family moved to Tuam in Co Galway when he was just a year old, He got his start in journalism with the Tuam Herald newspaper, joining them from secondary school.He began work with RTE in the late 70s, on radio and then television and was the presenter of the flagship Saturday afternoon multi-sports magazine show Sports Stadium.He had been battling serious health issues in recent years following a heart attack in 2015. In June of that year, he had just returned home after meeting friends when he collapsed. He said later that it was the quick action of his wife Anne, who performed CPR on him, along with the very rapid response by paramedics, that saved his life.On retirement from RTE in 2018, he spent much of his time raising awareness about heart health, working with groups including the Irish Heart Foundation.He is survived by his wife Anne, his sons Mark and Jack, his daughters Rebecca and Ellen, his sister Anne, his grandchildren, and his extended family.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."
