Sport

Irish sports broadcaster Johnny Lyons dies in Dublin home

POPULAR sports broadcaster Johnny Lyons has been found dead in his Dublin apartment.

Lyons, who was in his forties, was well known for his 98FM radio show 'Now That’s What I Call Sport' on Sunday mornings and had a regular call show slot on 'Premier League Live' on Today FM.

Colleagues raised concerns after struggling to reach Lyons, who had failed to show for work, and his body was duly found in his home on Wednesday evening.

The cause of his death is yet to be determined, but a statement released by 98FM said he died suddenly and peacefully.

It read: "The Directors, management and all the staff at 98FM are heartbroken at the death of our dear colleague and great friend Johnny Lyons.

"Johnny died suddenly and peacefully at his home in Dublin. Johnny has been the backbone of our sports team for over 20 years. His distinctive voice and his passion for soccer defined Johnny for so many of his listeners.

"He was a talented presenter with a deep knowledge and love of sport and his Sunday morning programme ‘Now that’s What I Call Sport’ was a weekly date for so many Dubliners."

98FM is heartbroken to announce the death of our dear friend and colleague, Johnny Lyons: http://t.co/FtCwVZVPZ4 pic.twitter.com/p8pVrA0QUL

— 98FM (@98FM) August 19, 2015

The Dubliner was an ever-present at Ireland internationals both home and abroad over the years and recently did a number of supporter activities for the FAI and Aviva Stadium around international fixtures.

FAI CEO John Delaney expressed his sadness at the news of Lyons’s sudden passing.

“Johnny Lyons was a great football man who really understood the game. I enjoyed being interviewed by him because he was so passionate and I want to extend our sympathy to his family and friends,” said Delaney.

“We will be doing a tribute to him at next month's match against Georgia.”

Twitter Tributes:

Just heard the news that Johnny Lyons has passed away,devastated what a good pal over the years will be sorely missed RIP #fartooyoung

— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) August 19, 2015

So sad to hear about Johnny Lyons. Roomed with him in Skopje once. Johnny was on air at 6am. At 4.30, his vocal exercises began-'3, 2 and 1'

— Dion Fanning (@dionfanning) August 19, 2015

johnny lyons, beautiful madman that he was. leather jacket. sweat-beaded brow. manic eyes. big smile. #rockandroll https://t.co/oHGSahEzhC

— Ken Early (@kenearlys) August 19, 2015

RIP Johnny Lyons. One of the most distinctive voices on Irish radio, always a pleasure to speak to. Thoughts & prayers are with his family.

— Stephanie Roche (@StephanieRoche9) August 19, 2015

RIP Johnny Lyons. He was a friend of the @SSEAirtricityLg for 98fm https://t.co/hk99Q5wZ7W

— St Patrick's Ath (@stpatsfc) August 19, 2015

Sad to hear the news about Johnny Lyons, a real character #RIP

— YBIG (@YouBoysInGreen) August 19, 2015

Condolences from every fellow broadcaster to a true professional...#johnnylyons https://t.co/naBDvirKnO

— Alison Comyn (@alisoncomyn) August 19, 2015