Tributes have been paid to the late sport broadcaster, Michael Lyster, who died aged 71.
Lyster, who joined RTÉ in 1979 and was renowned for presenting The Sunday Game Live for more than three decades. He was also a feature of RTÉ's coverage of the Olympic Games and other events.
However, it was the GAA where he became a household name nationwide.
He was renowned for hosting regular GAA pundits like Joe Brolly, Pat Spillane and Colm O'Rourke, as he often anchored stirring debate between the trio, as well as hurling pundits Cyril Farrell and Ger Loughnane among others.
As well as having a passion for motor racing, Michael Lyster also hosted a range of RTÉ programmes over the years, including greyhound racing, horse racing, athletics, soccer and rugby.
Lyster eventually retired from RTÉ in 2018, when he hosted his final All Ireland football final between Dublin and Tyrone.
After news of Lyster's death was announced, pundits like Pat Spillane, Colm O'Rourke, and Cyril Farrell paid homage to the late broadcaster.
Former Pat Spillane, who worked as a pundit for The Sunday Game for a number of years, hailed Lyster for his role for making The Sunday Game the successful TV mainstay it is.
"Michael Lyster was probably one of the greatest broadcasters that Ireland has produced. He was a man that never got the credit he deserved", Spillane said. "Why? Because Michael had no ego. Michael was humble, down to earth and let the panel become the so-called stars".
He continued: "Michael had this innate ability of being a brilliant listener and knowing exactly when he had a good debate going. And when he had a good debate going Michael didn't stick to the script. Michael wasn't sticking to time. If it was a good debate, it was a good debate and he let it flow.
"Michael never had a script, he never had notes, because Michael had everything up in his head. He let us at it. He let us talk. He let us express our opinions when at times they were absolutely off the wall and made no sense at all. But it made for great television.
"He was such a professional. Professionals make things look so simple. It was the simplicity of the format and the honesty of the three and four lads involved. That's what made The Sunday Game. But without Michael Lyster, the Sunday Game wouldn't have been the iconic programme it became.
"He was an absolute gentleman. What he did for broadcasting and what he did for the GAA over his lifetime, he was just a great man, a great broadcaster and a great friend. We will miss him".
Elsewhere, Colm O'Rourke also paid tribute to Michael Lyster, saying his thoughts were with the late presenter's family and friends at this difficult time.
"It's a sad day for everyone but particularly the Lyster family. He was a wonderful professional, he had a beautiful lilting voice. He was so friendly, courteous and polite to everyone. He helped everyone on the panel", he said.
O'Rourke added: "He was such a brilliant man in the chair. When things got to the height with all the unruliness of Pat and Joe, Michael was there as the calm presence in the middle, never allowing things to get too out of hand yet enjoying all the banter that went with the show".
He added: "Nothing would faze him. He would take over and just lead you. We had great times together. He was a natural and it all came very easy to him, and he loved a bit of fun".
"His voice was perfect for television and he would bring, what we thought was serious, back to reality. He was so relaxed and took everything in his stride".
RTÉ GAA correspondent, Marty Morrissey also said of Lyster: "He was a journalist at heart. He was much-loved and admired by the audience. Michael had a connection which is a gift. Few have it".
"In our world in sport, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh had it and Michael Lyster had it. He is a huge loss".
Michael Lyster is survived by his wife Anne and their sons Mark and Jack, and daughters, Ellen and Rebecca.
