Hot Press is deeply saddened to learn of the death, earlier today, of the 98FM sports reporter and broadcaster, Johnny Lyons. Johnny began his career in journalism with Hot Press.

More recently, Johnny was the presenter of the Now That’s What I Call Sport show at 98FM and had been the mainstay of the station’s sports coverage for many years.

He had recently been off work with a broken ankle, but was due to return to the fray in a week’s time. Hot Press understands that his colleagues had been having difficulty contacting him. His body was discovered on a subsequent visit to his apartment in Dublin.

"98FM is heartbroken to announce the death of our dear friend and colleague, Johnny Lyons,” the station posted on its twitter feed.
“Johnny died suddenly and peacefully at his home in Dublin,” a statement on their website added. “Johnny has been the backbone of our sports team for over 20 years. His distinctive voice and his passion for soccer defined Johnny for so many of his listeners. He was a talented presenter with a deep knowledge and love of sport.”
The station’s chief executive, Keith McCormick, also praised Johnny – saying that the entire station was devastated by the news. “He was a huge part of the 98FM family and will be sorely missed.”
Johnny first came to the attention of Hot Press as an aspiring young music writer, with a penchant for heavy metal.
“He was a lovely guy,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “He was always hugely enthusiastic and was willing to take on anything that was thrown at him journalistically. He was such a friendly and expansive character. We loved having him as part of the team, but in the long run, he really found his niche with 98FM.
“I always loved running into Johnny and shooting the breeze. His enthusiasm for what he was doing – and indeed for life in general – was infectious. But more than anything else he was a fanatical fan of football – and he always took a huge interest in what was happening with Hot Press Munchengladbach, which, of course, endeared him greatly to everyone at the Grand Old Club. He had a huge personality and a voice to match – which made him a total natural on the radio. I always took particular pleasure in hearing that booming voice coming across the airwaves – knowing that we had played a part in helping Johnny to develop as a journalist and as a broadcaster.
“He was a very talented professional and will be hugely missed, not only by everyone at 98FM, but also by listeners all over Dublin. Our condolences to all his family and friends. May he rest in peace."