HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, including colleagues and sports figures, have turned out to pay their respects to Johnny Lyons.
The sports broadcaster’s funeral was held in Mount Merrion in Dublin this morning. He was laid to rest afterwards at Shanganagh Cemetery.
Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, ex-rugby international Shane Byrne, Communicorp owner Denis O’Brien and RTÉ presenter Des Cahill were amongst those in attendance.
His 98FM colleagues formed a guard of honour, as the coffin was carried into the church.
‘Liked to be underestimated’
Johnny’s brother Maurice and Today FM head of sport John Duggan gave eulogies to the presenter, who was found dead at his Dublin home last week.
“People have asked me over the last number of days how I would describe my brother Johnny,” Maurice told the mourners.
“And I had to think about that, and this is what I’ve come up with…
“Good-natured, a good listener, had time for all people – a people’s person.
“Highly intelligent, a great memory – you couldn’t fool him, fantastic English vocabulary… technologically challenged.
“Really liked being in the company of women, liked to be underestimated throughout life.
“Had a mad but fun side to him.
“He was passionate about sport, particularly about soccer and cricket, Leeds United – God only knows why, Holland – I can understand that one.
“Passionate about music, particularly hard rock music, and of course last but not least, that voice, which people will remember him for.”
Duggan told the congregation the broadcaster had left a powerful legacy.
“Your voice will live on,” he said.
“We will visit you in Shankill, we will start a new journey in respect to you and your memory by following the power of your example, carrying the goodness you represented in spirit, and the burning legacy that you have left by giving you one hell of a send-off today.
“Johnny you were a great friend. We love you, we will never forget you.
“You succeeded at life, you did it… You won.”
Gifts brought up to the altar included an AC/DC album to represent his love of rock music, a microphone, and a set of headphones.
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