98fm have this evening announced that sports broadcaster Johnny Lyons has died.
Lyons was the station's sports editor, having worked there for over 20 years, and the news has led to an outpouring of tributes and warm memories of the legendary broadcaster.
Keith McCormack, Chief Executive of 98FM said: "The entire station is devastated with the sudden passing of a beloved colleague. Johnny, with his larger than life personality, was loved by all listeners and colleagues alike. He was a huge part of the 98FM family and will be dearly missed, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family at this time. May he rest in peace".
A statement from the station this evening said:
"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."
Since the news broke this evening there has been an outpouring of tributes on social media, with people expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the broadcaster's life and career.
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
What awful news this evening about Johnny Lyons. Such a big character in Irish radio. RIP http://t.co/2k4ioVyKad
— Jonathan Healy (@jonathanhealy) August 19, 2015
So sad to hear of the passing of Johnny Lyons - the unmistakable voice of sport in Dublin. @98FM #JohnnyLyonsRIP
— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD (@AodhanORiordain) August 19, 2015
Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny Lyons. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. http://t.co/PqWxmtQBCB
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 19, 2015
So sorry to hear this, Johnny was legitimately larger-than-life + incredibly welcoming when I started out in radio. https://t.co/a0t7u1pSkc
— Ger Gilroy (@gergilroy) August 19, 2015
Irrepressible lust for living, force of nature who gave not a f*ck for what others thought of him. Desperately sad news about Johnny Lyons.
— Adrian Barry (@WhosAdrianBarry) August 19, 2015
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
He once turned up to interview Ian Botham in the Shelbourne Hotel with a ghetto blaster. He left Botham minding it while he went off to get
— Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) August 19, 2015
batteries. Not surprisingly, Botham thought he was fantastic.
— Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) August 19, 2015
