‘A wonderful broadcaster who loved Gaelic games’ - Tributes to former RTÉ sports pundit Michael Lyster (71)
THE veteran RTÉ sports broadcaster Michael Lyster has been described as “an absolute gentleman” after his death aged 71.Best known for presenting The Sunday Game Live for over three decades, he first joined RTÉ in 1979.While also fronting Irish coverage of major sporting events like the Olympics, it was his passion for GAA that he was most associated with.RTÉ report that he retired from The Sunday Game after presenting the 2018 All-Ireland football final.His broadcasting skill was also demonstrated by managing to direct the lively punditry trio of Joe Brolly, Pat Spillane and Colm O’Rourke during The Sunday Game.On Sunday afternoon , a minute’s silence was held in his honour before Galway’s match with Dublin in the Allianz Football League.Paying tribute, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst 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.Michael Lyster, Joe Brolly, Colm O'Rourke and Pat Spillane on RTE's The Sunday Game Live “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.”Head of RTÉ Sport, Declan McBennett, added: “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.”Mr Lyster is survived by his wife Anne, sons Mark and Jack as well as his daughters Ellen and Rebecca.
