Michael Lyster, one of RTÉ Sport’s most familiar presenters, has died aged 71.
Lyster began his journalism career at The Tuam Herald in County Galway before moving to RTÉ around 1980.
In his first year with the broadcaster he covered the Moscow Olympic Games and soon became a regular voice across its sports output.
He took over presenting duties on The Sunday Game in 1984 and remained closely associated with the programme for more than three decades.
He stepped away from the role in 2018 after fronting coverage of the All-Ireland football final between Dublin and Tyrone.
Beyond Gaelic games, Lyster presented a wide range of RTÉ sports shows, including horse racing, athletics, rugby, soccer, motorsport and greyhound racing.
He also had a personal passion for rallying and once finished third in the Cork International Rally.
Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, paid tribute to Lyster, calling him a driving force in modern sports broadcasting and an instantly recognisable presence at major sporting events.
RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst described him as a gentleman and a broadcaster who brought real warmth and authority to GAA coverage.
Declan McBennett, head of RTÉ Sport, remembered Lyster as calm, steady and unfailingly professional, someone who guided on-air panels through the biggest fixtures with quiet confidence.
Lyster’s voice and steady presentation style helped shape generations of Irish sports coverage.
He will be remembered for his long service to RTÉ and his lasting impact on how Gaelic games were presented to audiences across the country.
