RTÉ Statement on the Death of Sports Broadcaster Michael Lyster

RTÉ is sad today to learn of the death of legendary RTÉ Sport broadcaster Michael Lyster, who died this morning aged 71 years.

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.”

Michael Lyster joined RTÉ in 1979 and worked as a sports broadcaster across radio and television until his retirement in 2018. Michael was known to many as the face of Gaelic Games on RTÉ, presenting The Sunday Game for 34 years. He was a veteran broadcaster of RTÉ’s coverage of the Olympics, his first being Moscow in 1980 working for Radio Sport, while in 1984 Michael made his television Olympic debut, co-hosting on 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 enthusisant 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.

RTÉ extends sincere sympathies to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Watch RTÉ Archives The Sunday Game 1984 clip presented by Michael Lyster here: RTÉ Archives | Sports | The Sunday Game

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Date: 22 March 2026

Images: https://we.tl/t-uP7Z69zvv0
Please credit RTÉ Archives

Issued by:
Maureen Catterson, Communications Manager, RTÉ TV, Radio and Online