Funeral Arrangements Announced

Funeral details have been announced for Michael Lyster, the former host of The Sunday Game, who died over the weekend at the age of 71. He will be reposing on Wednesday evening, March 25, from 5pm-7pm at Fanagans Carnegies Funeral Home, Monkstown. A funeral ceremony to celebrate Michael’s life, for family and friends only, will take place at 4pm on Thursday, March 26, in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium.

A Guiding Hand for Broadcasters

Colleagues and friends have been sharing heartfelt tributes to Lyster, remembering him not only for his broadcasting talent but also for his kindness and mentorship. Anthony Daly, a colleague on The Sunday Game, described Lyster as a gift to broadcasting in Ireland.

“Talk about helping you and putting you at ease; if you were sweating, he was sweating with you. If it was warm in the box, Mikey L was warm as well. He was great. He would just place you at ease. He was a pro and he wanted the show to go off smoothly. He wanted to talk about what the people would want to talk about and he knew, he smelled that and that’s why I liked him. If this is fine chat, let it go.”

Anthony Daly, via Irish Examiner podcast, Dalo’s Hurling Show

Daly noted that Lyster made his transition to media work easier, particularly before Daly became Dublin hurling manager in 2009. He also fostered conversations that often proved more compelling than the sporting action itself.

Former Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy echoed Daly’s sentiments, highlighting Lyster’s ability to create a comfortable atmosphere for those appearing on air.

“I think everybody had a warm affection to Michael. You can all remember the first time we sat in the seat in the studio and you just felt like you were in safe hands here. You knew there was someone there that was going to glance after you and never got excited unless Galway (were playing).”

Liam Sheedy, via Irish Examiner

Sheedy also recalled Lyster’s passionate support for Galway, particularly during the 2017 All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary.

“He sat neutral but my God, when Galway were playing… I can still remember when Canning’s wonder point went over in 2017 (the All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary) and himself and Farreller (Cyril Farrell) nearly got out through the roof of the studio. We were sitting there going ‘jeez, no’. When they got over the line (and won the All-Ireland), to see the elation when the camera goes off and he just gets up by his chair and he lets a jump out of him. He was just such an incredible character and a real gent.”

Liam Sheedy, via Irish Examiner

A Legacy of Friendship and Professionalism

Sheedy shared anecdotes about Lyster’s close friendships with Irish Independent journalists Vincent Hogan and Martin Breheny, describing their lively debates and enduring camaraderie.

“They’d take off in the morning and they’d finish in the evening and all there was was craic and fun and laughter. If it happened that Liverpool were playing Man United, the three would probably fall out before they went to bed and then they’d acquire up in the morning and they’d go again.”

Liam Sheedy, via Irish Examiner

Sheedy concluded by emphasizing Lyster’s lasting impact on Gaelic games broadcasting, stating, What he delivered in Gaelic games over his 35 years has been just incredible and I experience very fortunate and proud to have been a slight part of that journey that he had. He made my intro into the studio so much easier and you always felt he was just an amazing man, amazing man.

FAQ

• What was Michael Lyster known for? He was best known as the long-time host of The Sunday Game.
• When is Michael Lyster’s funeral? The funeral ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 26, at 4pm in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium.
• Where will Michael Lyster be reposing? He will be reposing on Wednesday evening, March 25, from 5pm-7pm at Fanagans Carnegies Funeral Home, Monkstown.