Michael Lyster, the long-serving broadcaster who anchored RTÉ’s The Sunday Game for 34 years, has died at the age of 71. Lyster served as the defining face of the national network’s premier Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) coverage until his retirement in 2018.
His death prompted an immediate sequence of tributes across Ireland on Sunday. A minute’s silence was observed prior to throw-in at the National Football League fixture between Galway and Dublin on Sunday afternoon to honor his contributions to the national sports landscape.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin characterized Lyster as a “moderniser of sports broadcasting” who was synonymous with outstanding sporting moments. Former colleague Cyril Farrell referred to him as the “conductor of the orchestra,” while broadcaster Marty Morrissey highlighted his enduring professionalism and kindness.
‘We wanted him to live forever’ – RTE’s Marty Morrissey makes emotional tribute to ‘anchor’ Michael Lyster after deathhttps://t.co/4y7kHhUK52https://t.co/4y7kHhUK52 https://t.co/HUnhrGA8RV
— Irish Sun Sport (@IrishSunSport) March 22, 2026
Born in Dungarvan, Co Waterford in 1954 and raised in Galway, Lyster began his journalism career writing a music column for The Tuam Herald for seven years. He transitioned to RTÉ in 1979, initially reading sports bulletins on Radio 2. While universally recognized for his GAA programming alongside analysts like Joe Brolly and Pat Spillane, his broadcast portfolio extended to multiple Olympic Games beginning with Moscow in 1980. He also co-hosted RTÉ’s first venture into breakfast television in 1984.
Outside of the television studio, Lyster competed as a rally driver for over two decades. He notably finished third in the 1992 Cork International Rally alongside co-driver and sports journalist Vincent Hogan.
His broadcasting tenure concluded in 2018 following a succession of severe medical events. Lyster experienced heart failure in 2012 and suffered a mini-stroke in 2013. In 2015, he suffered a major cardiac arrest at his home following a round of golf with Hogan. He was resuscitated by his wife, Anne, who performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Following the incident, Lyster had a pacemaker fitted and publicly advocated for heart health awareness.
He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years and their four children: Mark, Jack, Rebecca, and Ellen.