Michael Lyster, the long-time presenter of RTE’s 'Sunday Game’ programme, has died at the age of 71.

The GAA broadcasting legend presented The Sunday Game for 34 years until his retirement in 2018.

Having first joined RTE as a sports newsreader in 1980, he quickly moved into presenting and would anchor the national broadcaster’s coverage of the 1984 Olympic Games.

However, it was his leadership in anchoring RTE’s GAA coverage that saw his career really blossom as he became a household name throughout Ireland.

Lyster took over as presenter of The Sunday Game from Jim Carney in ’84 and would go on to become a popular figure having been at the heart of some of the programme’s most memorable moments.

The punditry trio of Joe Brolly, Pat Spillane and Colm O'Rourke would become Sunday Game regulars and Lyster was the perfect host to set the agenda and stir debate. The same could be said for hurling with the likes of Cyril Farrell and Ger Loughnane.

A minute’s silence was observed in Lyster’s memory prior to this afternoon’s Allianz FL Division 1 final round meeting between Galway and Dublin at Pearse Stadium.

He is survived by his wife Anne, sons Mark and Jack and daughters Ellen and Rebecca.

Former RTÉ Sport broadcaster Michael Lyster has died at the age of 71. He joined RTÉ in 1979 and was best known for presenting The Sunday Game Live for over three decades.https://t.co/jAYsAmLGCK

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 22, 2026

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