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98FM via Facebook

"We will miss you so much": Tributes paid after 98FM's Johnny Lyons dies suddenly

The station said last night that he passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home.

Updated 11.50pm

SPORTS BROADCASTER JOHNNY Lyons has died.

The 98FM Sports Editor 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.

He made his 98FM debut in 1996 after dropping a demo into the station. His interview with former Celtic striker John Hartson, coming after Hartson’s cancer battle, saw him widely praised and was described by Lyons as a career highlight.

In a statement on their Facebook page last night, the station said he passed suddenly and peacefully at his home.

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.

Tributes have been pouring in for Lyons:

- with reporting from Órla Ryan

Originally published: 20.25

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84 Comments
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    Mute Derek hutchings
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:26 PM

    rip Johnny

    1128
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    Mute Peter Carroll
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    Aug 20th 2015, 6:13 AM

    Now that’s was a voice you could listen to , distinctive , eloquent , knowledgeable , passionate ,,,,,,,, a stunned sound of silence

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    Mute Rob O'H
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:28 PM

    Loved his broadcasts, a great interviewer and a really passionate sports fan. A genuine icon. RIP.

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    Mute niall mullins
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:27 PM

    Wow, complete shocker. RIP.

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    Mute Cross
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:49 PM

    “I’m Johnny Lyons…” #rip

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    Mute Peter Clarke
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:50 PM

    Terrible news. We knew each other in UCD in the 1980s as we shared a passion for footy and loud music. We both had long curly hair back then. Never saw him again until 2014 at a debate on Irish football arranged by Antonio Mantero of thecoachdiary.com website. Johnny was compère for the night. During a break I went down to the stage and said “Johnny Lyons, it’s been 25 years”. Not put off by my now shaven head he looked at me, took about 2 seconds and said “Clarkie! You still listening to 70s Genesis?”. Thankfully the answer was no. As an aspiring music hack in the 80s he got an interview over the phone with Tony Banks, keyboardist in Genesis. It was a long interview and to Johnny’s horror the tape recording didn’t work. He rang Tony again and said that there’d been a problem and luckily he was given the interview again. Great voice but more important, great passion for our game. Very sad to hear this but I’m glad I got to meet him again. RIP.

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    Mute Larry David the 2nd
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    Aug 20th 2015, 5:29 AM

    RIP Johnny Lyons. Also a Great story but it’s sad that you’re not listening to 70s Genesis anymore the classic line up with Gabriel made some of the best music of all time and I still listen to this day. Revisit it whilst thinking of johnny , you won’t be disappointed .

    74
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    Mute Neil Smullen
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:27 PM

    Rip, hearing the footy results won’t be the same anymore

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    Mute david garland
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:34 PM

    He was so passionate about what he done.. He’ll be a great loss to the Irish airwaves..

    308
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    Mute Gerry Ryan
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:43 PM

    Gave me my break on 98FM doing the weekend sports quite a few years back. Larger than life guy, so helpful and generous. Thanks Johnny.

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    Mute Joan Featherstone
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:29 PM

    Not a sports fan nor a 98FM fan but looks way too young to pass…suppose it’s never a good time, RIP to him, condolences to his family too.

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    Mute BIG -LES
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:34 PM

    Ah thAts so sad rip Johnny Lyons

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    Mute John Lally
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:13 PM

    Wow. Don’t know of the guy at all but looks incredibly young to pass away. Anyone know how old he was? From the outpouring of emotion I’ve seen on social media he obviously was a special person who touched the lives of many people. May he RIP

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    Mute RICHARD Paul
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:42 PM

    RIP Johnny Lyons. A sad loss . Such a distinctive voice and passion for sport.

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    Mute Michael McLoughlin
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:42 PM

    RIP Johnny, will never forget the ribbing back in UCD! Forever Blowing Bubbles

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    Mute Tony O Connor
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:40 PM

    passion personified. huge loss rip johnny

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    Mute Sloop John G
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    Aug 20th 2015, 12:40 PM

    Very shocked to hear of the passing of Johnny Lyons at such an early age. He will be sorely missed on the radio. May he rest in peace.

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    Mute John Dixon
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:42 PM

    Loved listening to Johnny on the radio. A sad day for Irish radio.

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    Mute Draught Helping
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:00 PM

    RIP Johnny, you didn’t have to be a sports fan to appreciate how good a broadcaster you were

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    Mute Danny Gallagher
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:53 PM

    Rip Lad! It was always a pleasure to listen to you!!

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    Mute Patlyndo
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:37 PM

    RIP Johnny.

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    Mute Derek Keating TD
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:15 PM

    I am shocked and so saddened to hear of the sudden death of Johnny Lyons. I met Johnny several times, including years ago when I managed a local team in Lucan, Beech Park F.C. – Johnny always had time for local teams and for local people. May Johnny Rest in Peace.

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    Mute Thomas Anderson
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    Aug 20th 2015, 10:23 PM

    Coming from a FG TD they will be crocodile tears

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    Mute 5mU05WP1
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:09 PM

    Age? Cause of death?

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    Mute Steph
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:17 PM

    That really doesn’t matter right now. An extremely talented and passionate radio sports broadcaster has passed away. Age and CoD are irrelevant right now. You know nothing about loss obviously!!
    RIP Johnny Lyons #98fm

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    Mute ger power1
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:42 PM

    Hugh Morris =W@nker ! thoughts an condolences with Johnnys family an friends. R.I.P big man a lost voice !

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    Mute Noel Browne
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:44 PM

    RIP Johnny…what are you on Hugh Morris ?…what kind of person posts something like that without offering any condolences.

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    Mute Noel Browne
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    Aug 19th 2015, 11:16 PM

    Why are people disliking the comments made about Hugh Morris above ?

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    Mute Megan
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    Sep 5th 2015, 5:00 PM

    It is okay to ask for these details, many people are left scratching their heads when a famous person dies suddenly and there is not much information at the time of death.

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    Mute Eddie O'shea
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    Aug 19th 2015, 8:42 PM

    Rip

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    Mute Nuala O'connor
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:32 PM

    “Iiim Johnny Lyons”
    R.I.P. Condolences to his family and 98fm, he was a real credit to the station , will be sadly missed.

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    Mute fuve
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:02 PM

    Wow shock. Rest in peace terrible sad. Deepest condolences to his family and all at 98.

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    Mute James Lyons
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:26 PM

    That’s terrible news. Taken far too young. Loved his sport and always seemed to enjoy himself on radio

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    Mute john walsh
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:21 PM

    R.I.P what a great sports voice legend

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    Mute Alan Tormey
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:20 PM

    I’mmmmmmm Johnny Lyons….. RIP

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    Mute Maximus
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:36 PM

    Such a recognisable Voice, Rip young man.

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    Mute von
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:26 PM

    Rest in Peace Johnny.

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    Mute Bill Tormey
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    Aug 19th 2015, 11:49 PM

    Johnny Lyons. Unforgettable – Pal of mine in the 80′s and 90′s . Brilliant guy. UCD, Rovers, Mount Merrion, 98 FM.
    In the Elysian Fields – shocked Johnny – really shocked

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    Mute Decky
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:37 PM

    Rip, such a positive vibe he gave when doing the sports, new his stuff as well

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    Mute Kenneth Hayden
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:56 PM

    A true sporting voice. RIP.

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    Mute dontletitslip
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:32 PM

    So so so. RIP Johnny, a voice like silk.

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    Mute dontletitslip
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:32 PM

    Sorry left out the word “sad”.

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    Mute Resel
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:36 PM

    What age was he? Seems young

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    Mute Andrew McMahon
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:45 PM

    Used to turn on 98fm just for his enthusiastic sports reports. RIP

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    Mute Ruairi Mathews
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:45 PM

    Met the man once and he bought us a round of pints just for a bit of football banter. Nice guy with a world of knowledge. RIP.

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    Mute Crazy
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:59 PM

    Rip Johnny. A huge shock for his family and friends. Very sad news.

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    Mute jack frost
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:14 PM

    Shocked. I liked johnny on fan zone on todayfm Rip

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    Mute Aging Lothario
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    Aug 20th 2015, 8:05 AM

    Likewise Jack, I didn’t listen to 98FM, but everyone knew Johnny’s very distinctive voice, and I loved listening to him on the Fanzone on Premier league live on Today FM. Rest in peace Johnny, yet another one gone well before his time.

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    Mute PaulOD
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:35 PM

    rip. loved his show

    38
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    Mute Phil Keenan
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    Aug 20th 2015, 12:50 AM

    Regardless of the rows above about what Hugh says or what he doesn’t why are there A-holes red thumbing condolences from everyone here. Trolling keyboard warrior knobs. A good man died. Why would anyone red thumb that???? F…ers

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    Mute Siobhan Mackenzie
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    Aug 19th 2015, 11:52 PM

    why are there red thumbs for any of these posts .. apart from the “age and cause” one .. I don’t understand .. at all ..

    32
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    Mute SCO Electrical
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    Aug 20th 2015, 12:03 AM

    Jesus. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

    32
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    Mute amelia oreilly
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:25 PM

    RIP. Taken so young , too soon! In Heaven now.

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    Mute Janet Coyle
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:16 PM

    RIP Condolences to his family and friends will be sorely missed

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    Mute Davy Evans
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    Aug 20th 2015, 1:17 AM

    Couldn’t stand his voice. I hope he rests in peace all the same.

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    Mute dontletitslip
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    Aug 20th 2015, 9:31 AM

    Why even bother you classless ass

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    Mute Davy Evans
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    Aug 20th 2015, 11:16 AM

    Because I needed to pass on my condolences…

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    Mute Declan Burtenshaw
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:47 PM

    A true gentleman. Rest in peace pal.

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    Mute kevinforde
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    Aug 19th 2015, 11:09 PM

    RIP

    24
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    Mute Gerry Murphy
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    Aug 19th 2015, 11:10 PM

    The best voice of sport on the Airwaves, go in peace young Johnny Lyons…

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    Mute Larry David the 2nd
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    Aug 20th 2015, 8:53 AM

    How can one die “suddenly and peacefully ” that’s just not possible, if it were cancer for example it is possible to go relatively peacefully with morpheme and pain suppressant drugs etc but suddenly implies something very traumatic like a stroke or massive heart attack, that’s a nice quick way to go but in no way could it be described as peaceful. RIP johnny.

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    Mute Thomas Anderson
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    Aug 20th 2015, 9:20 PM

    A Gerry Ryan type death?

    6
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    Mute Damien Byrne
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:53 PM

    RIP and deepest sympathies to family and friends. Always enjoyed hearing the passion in his voice when he read out the sports news for 98FM

    22
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    Mute Nick
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    Aug 19th 2015, 11:31 PM

    Football mad Johnny Rip.

    22
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    Mute Chris O Neill Cabra
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:53 PM

    The best die young..rest in peace Johnny.

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    Mute Paul McNiffe
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    Aug 19th 2015, 10:53 PM

    He was a legend. RIP Mr Lyons

    20
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    Mute Larry Doyle
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    Aug 20th 2015, 12:53 AM

    Only ever heard him on the Today FM show and was always impressed with his enthusiasm and the respect with which he treated the callers. R.I.P.

    19
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    Mute Roughan Mac Namara
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    Aug 20th 2015, 12:51 AM

    R.I..P. Johnny. I met him a few times over the years and he always struck me as a total gent and good guy.

    19
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    Mute Romeo Sensini
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    Aug 20th 2015, 7:39 AM

    Sponsored by captain America’s, rock in, roll out, im jonny lyons….. Nobody said it as good as him.

    17
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    Mute Phil Keenan
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    Aug 20th 2015, 12:27 AM

    Very Sad. Rest in Peace Johnny. Unique personality

    16
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    Mute Conor Crean
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    Aug 20th 2015, 1:11 AM

    Very sad news. Always enjoyed his broadcasts. Unmistakable voice.

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    Mute Johnpaul Gray
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    Aug 20th 2015, 1:28 AM

    RIP to an outstanding journalist !

    11
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    Mute John Deane
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    Aug 20th 2015, 1:09 AM

    What a gent. He will be sadly missed. R.I.P Johnny. Condolences to family and friends

    11
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    Mute Thomas Anderson
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    Aug 20th 2015, 9:15 PM

    Who? Never heard of this man. RIP anyway to another citizen who died.

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    Mute Loveclove
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    Aug 22nd 2015, 11:34 AM

    Shocked :(. Will miss listening to you on the radio ‘johnnnny LYonnns’ :). R.i.p. -condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues at 98fm. Thanks Johnny x

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    Mute Andy Boud
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    Aug 19th 2015, 9:26 PM

    Johnny Lyons RIP

    1
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