Popular The Sunday Game presenter Michael Lyster has died, aged 71

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin this afternoon expressed his sadness at the news. "Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Lyster, a moderniser 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."

Michael first joined RTÉ as a sports newsreader in 1979 but quickly moved into presenting, anchoring the Olympics in 1984. He also presented radio coverage of the All-Ireland hurling and football finals in those early years at the broadcaster and anchored the Saturday mult-sport highlights show Sports Stadium.

In '84, he took over from Jim Carney as presenter of The Sunday Game, when it was chiefly a highlights show and also became its live presenter when more games were screened on Sunday afternoons.

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."

Michael was a keen rally driver, driving in the Circuit of Ireland Rally and the Killarney Rally of the Lakes as well as finishing third in the 1992 Cork International Rally.

He actually began is media career as a music writer, reviewing gigs and records in The Tuam Herald. Having been born in Waterford, he moved to Galway early in life when his father, a Garda, was stationed in the county.

He suffered health issues during his time at RTÉ, suffering a cardiac arrest in 2015.

Michael married his wife Anne in 1985 and they share four children, sons Mark and Jack, and daughters Rebecca and Ellen.

He remained busy away from his broadcasting work. Killererin Community Council, of which Michael was its first secretary, paid tribute in a statement.

"Killererin Community Council is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Lyster, our first Secretary.

"Michael played a pivotal role in the very beginnings of our Council, when the first meeting was held on 26th April 1974.The first ambitious priority was to convert the old school into our community centre. At a time when the vision for a stronger, more connected community was just taking shape, Michael was at the heart of that effort — giving his time, his commitment, and his belief in what Killererin could become.

"As First Secretary, he helped lay the foundations not just of a Council, but of a lasting community spirit. The work begun in those early days — securing a community space, bringing people together, and strengthening parish life — continues to shape all that we do today.

"We remember Michael with deep gratitude for his contribution and the legacy he leaves behind."

Cork football manager John Cleary, speaking shortly after his side earned promotion to Division 1, spoke fondly of Michael Lyster.

"I remember having many a chat with Michael the day after an All-Ireland final in the 80s and 90s," said Cleary. "And the most lovely man you could meet. I don't think I ever heard him criticising anybody. And he was always very positive.

"I'm very sad to hear that. It's a sad day. And I’d like to sympathise with his family. He'll be a big loss to them, and a big loss to the GAA."

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