"We will miss you so much": Tributes paid after 98FM's Johnny Lyons dies suddenly

The station said last night that he passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home.

Updated 11.50pm

SPORTS BROADCASTER JOHNNY Lyons has died.

The 98FM Sports Editor hosted the popular Now That’s What I Call Sport show on Sundays and will have been a familiar voice to Premier League fans following his stint on Today FM’s Premier League Live.

He made his 98FM debut in 1996 after dropping a demo into the station. His interview with former Celtic striker John Hartson, coming after Hartson’s cancer battle, saw him widely praised and was described by Lyons as a career highlight.

In a statement on their Facebook page last night, the station said he passed suddenly and peacefully at his home.

Everyone at 98FM is 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 larger than life personality and passion for sport defined Johnny for so many.

We will miss you so much.

Rest in peace.

Tributes have been pouring in for Lyons:

He was one of those people who changed the energy of a room by simply stepping into it. I always felt about 50% happier for having met him.
— Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) August 19, 2015

Ross O'Carroll-Kelly / Twitter

So sad to hear of the passing of Johnny Lyons - the unmistakable voice of sport in Dublin.@98FM #JohnnyLyonsRIP
— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) August 19, 2015

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD / Twitter

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

Ken Early / Twitter

Such sad news about the passing of Johnny Lyons - what a distinctive voice, always made sport so exciting! #rip
— Jayann Walsh (@JayannMWalsh) August 19, 2015

Jayann Maher / Twitter

Jesus. @98FM 's legendary Johnny Lyons has died. Always so hilarious & warm. Sleeveless rock shirts ahoy. RIP fella X pic.twitter.com/vuOitY21yI
— Eoghan McDermott (@eoghanmcdermo) August 19, 2015

Eoghan McDermott / Twitter

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- with reporting from Órla Ryan

Originally published: 20.25

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