FAI BOSS JOHN Delaney has been leading the tributes to 98FM sports broadcaster Johnny Lyons, who was found dead yesterday.
He was aged in his 40s.
The 98FM sports editor, known for his enthusiastic and dramatic delivery of their hourly sport bulletins, worked for the Dublin station for almost 20 years.
He also 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.
The presenter’s body was discovered by a family member at his Dublin apartment yesterday, after he wasn’t seen for several days.
He had been off work for a number of weeks recovering from a broken ankle.
Ireland tribute
In a statement last night, the FAI said Johnny had been a well known figure at Ireland internationals home and abroad over the years.
He “recently did a number of supporter activities for the FAI and Aviva Stadium around international fixtures,” the association said.
Delaney described him as ”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,” he said.
He said the association would be paying tribute to the broadcaster at next month’s European Championships qualifier against Georgia at the Aviva.
‘Voice of sport’
Figures from politics, broadcasting and journalism have also been paying tribute to Johnny online, with junior minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin describing him as “the unmistakable voice of sport in Dublin”.
Eoghan McDermott / Twitter
Eoghan McDermott / Twitter / Twitter
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98FM confirmed the death last night, saying in a statement that staff were “heartbroken”.
“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.
98FM will also be paying tribute to Johnny on air over the next few days.
