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Stephen Doyle

'A people person - with a mad but fun side': Johnny Lyons laid to rest in Dublin

His brother told mourners Johnny was good-natured, a good listener and “liked to be underestimated throughout life”.

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, including colleagues and sports figures, have turned out to pay their respects to Johnny Lyons.

The sports broadcaster’s funeral was held in Mount Merrion in Dublin this morning. He was laid to rest afterwards at Shanganagh Cemetery.

Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, ex-rugby international Shane Byrne, Communicorp owner Denis O’Brien and RTÉ presenter Des Cahill were amongst those in attendance.

His 98FM colleagues formed a guard of honour, as the coffin was carried into the church.

‘Liked to be underestimated’

Johnny’s brother Maurice and Today FM head of sport John Duggan gave eulogies to the presenter, who was found dead at his Dublin home last week.

“People have asked me over the last number of days how I would describe my brother Johnny,” Maurice told the mourners.

“And I had to think about that, and this is what I’ve come up with…

“Good-natured, a good listener, had time for all people – a people’s person.

“Highly intelligent, a great memory – you couldn’t fool him, fantastic English vocabulary… technologically challenged.

“Really liked being in the company of women, liked to be underestimated throughout life.

“Had a mad but fun side to him.

“He was passionate about sport, particularly about soccer and cricket, Leeds United – God only knows why, Holland – I can understand that one.

“Passionate about music, particularly hard rock music, and of course last but not least, that voice, which people will remember him for.”

45 Johnny (right) with 98FM's Stephen Doyle and Francis Moore, and former Dublin footballer Bryan Cullen.

Duggan told the congregation the broadcaster had left a powerful legacy.

“Your voice will live on,” he said.

“We will visit you in Shankill, we will start a new journey in respect to you and your memory by following the power of your example, carrying the goodness you represented in spirit, and the burning legacy that you have left by giving you one hell of a send-off today.

“Johnny you were a great friend. We love you, we will never forget you.

“You succeeded at life, you did it… You won.”

Gifts brought up to the altar included an AC/DC album to represent his love of rock music, a microphone, and a set of headphones.

Read “Working with Johnny could be a stomach churning, white-knuckle ride. But he had a gaffer’s talent”

Read Robbie Keane, Katie Taylor and Mick McCarthy to pay tribute to Johnny Lyons

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    Aug 24th 2015, 5:35 PM

    I just want to know how he died. can anyone please elaborate?

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    Mute Pj Quinn
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    Aug 24th 2015, 6:23 PM

    mind your own business is your answer….

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    Mute 6Degreesbelle
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    Aug 24th 2015, 6:49 PM

    Killed himself.

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    Mute The_five_lamps
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    Aug 24th 2015, 7:13 PM

    What do you need to know that for? Do you work for his life insurer?

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    Aug 24th 2015, 8:41 PM

    The first question everyone asks when someone dies is how. Even more so when someone is in the public eye. Very strange it has not been confirmed, so no need for you to act the self righteous ass hole you obviously are.

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    Mute William Grogan
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    Aug 24th 2015, 8:41 PM

    There’s absolutely nothing wrong asking that question.

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    Mute Lennie
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    Aug 24th 2015, 4:35 PM

    Rock on in Heaven with your heroes Johnny. The house band with Bon Scott, Philo, John Bonham, Hendrix, George Harrison, and Jon Lord will be having a great gig tonight.

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    Mute Pj Quinn
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    Aug 24th 2015, 6:25 PM

    RIP Johnny ..

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    Mute Paul Dorgan
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    Aug 24th 2015, 8:57 PM

    youre a bit of a rude person Mrm Quinn…it was a simple question

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    Mute Cynical Samwidge
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    Aug 24th 2015, 9:57 PM

    Still milking the S**t out of it i see: “next week ahhm Johny!!! erm the man behind the ahhh…..Mic?”

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