Michael Lyster, Voice of the GAA, Laid to Rest in Dublin
The funeral ceremony for Michael Lyster, the iconic RTÉ Sport broadcaster best known for his three decades presenting The Sunday Game, took place today, Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Victorian Chapel in Mount Jerome, Harold’s Cross, Dublin. Lyster passed away last weekend at the age of 71.
A Gathering of GAA Legends
Family and friends were joined by prominent figures from the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) community to pay their respects. Attendees included former Cork hurler Tomás Mulcahy, Derry’s Joe Brolly, and Cyril Farrell, the former manager of the Galway hurling team. Pádraic Joyce, the current Galway football manager, was as well present. President Catherine Connolly was represented by her aide-de-camp, signifying the national recognition of Lyster’s contribution.
A Broadcasting Career Spanning Decades
Michael Lyster began his career at RTÉ in 1979 and quickly became a household name as the anchor of the station’s GAA coverage. Beyond Gaelic games, he also contributed to RTÉ’s coverage of the Olympic Games and other significant sporting events. He retired from The Sunday Game at the end of 2018, following the All-Ireland football final.
Remembered as a “National Treasure”
Tributes have poured in since Lyster’s passing, with many describing him as “magic in human form” and a “national treasure.” Fellow journalist Vincent Hogan highlighted his “easy likeability, decency with people” and “complete absence of self-importance.” The Irish Examiner reported on the emotional memorial service, where Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” was played as a tribute to his love of music.
A Devoted Family Man
Michael Lyster is survived by his wife, Anne, and their four children: Mark, Jack, Rebecca, and Ellen. His son, Jack, shared fond memories of his father, emphasizing his “curiosity for all things in life and a passion for his hobbies that was infectious.” The Irish Times noted that family members placed items representing his passions – a hurl, rally driving gloves, and a Led Zeppelin album – on his coffin.
RTÉ News provided live updates from the funeral ceremony.
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