Michael Lyster remembered as ‘magic in human form’ at emotional memorial service

The chapel doors close for the final time on Michael Lyster pictured this evening at the funeral of former RTÉ radio and TV broadcaster. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.

Michael Lyster was remembered as “magic in human form” and a “national treasure” at a special memorial service that concluded with Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love.

His son Jack was among a number of speakers who fondly shared memories of the 71-year-old former host of The Sunday Game, rock fan, and former rally driver.

He said: “Micheal may have been to everyone, someone worthy of praise and respect for his achievements and career, a great man with a great soul.

“But the truth is, he was so much more.

“He was magic in human form. We love you, dad, and we will miss you.”

 

Joe Brolly, right, former RTE produder, Paul Byrnes, centre and former Cork hurler, Tomás Mulcahy pictured this evening at the funeral of former RTÉ radio and TV broadcaster, Michael Lyster at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome, Dublin. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.

His long-time friend and fellow journalist Vincent Hogan described him as one of Ireland’s national treasures, telling mourners: “He was one of the nation's greatest broadcasters.

“He did become, to all intents and purposes, that strange phenomenon we like to call a national treasure.”

He also paid tribute to his “easy likeability, decency with people” and “complete absence of self-importance”.

He added he was “just endlessly unbreakably sound and in this fulminating world we live in, that's no small thing you”.

A small crowd of close friends and family pictured this evening at the funeral of former RTE radio and TV broadcaster, Michael Lyster at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome, Dublin. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.

Broadcaster Shay Byrne was the celebrant at the service, which celebrated his life at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium.

As it was for friends and family only, it was streamed live online.

He died last Saturday after a long illness, with his family by his side at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin.

He is survived by his wife Anne, sons Mark and Jack, daughters Rebecca and Ellen, and his sister Anne.

Galway-born Michael, who joined RTÉ in 1979, presented The Sunday Game for more than three decades. He became the programme’s anchor in 1984, presenting both highlights and live coverage on Sunday afternoons.

He retired in 2018, three years after he suffered a heart attack at his Dublin home.

The remains are brought into chapel as a small crowd of friends and family look on pictured this evening at the funeral of former RTÉ radio and TV broadcaster, Michael Lyster at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome, Dublin. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.

Shortly after the beginning of the hour-long service — which ended with a standing ovation — members of his family brought forward tokens from his life.

His son Mark presented Led Zeppelin’s 1969 self-titled debut album as a tribute to his love of music.

Daughter Rebecca brought forward his hurley to symbolise his love of the GAA.

As mourners departed, the final song played was Whole Lotta Love by one of his favourite bands, Led Zeppelin.