The first big match I covered for Today FM was in 1999. November 1999 to be precise. Up until that month while I considered myself not too bad at geography I had never heard of Bursa, Turkey. Bursa was confirmed as the venue for the away leg of the Republic of Ireland's European Championship play-off qualifier against Turkey on November 17th.
The trip involved a 13-hour air, coach and ferry journey for both teams, the day after the first leg at Lansdowne Road on November 13th which ended 1-1 and left Ireland needing an away goal in Turkey. For some reason (probably because he was stuck) then Today FM Sports Editor Tim Tuomey dispatched me to cover the game. It was the first time I met Johnny Lyons. Johnny was a larger than life character who had an infectious passion for sport. He was also great craic. We never got the away goal but I had some laughs with the bould Johnny. There is a story about both of us filing expenses when we got back from Turkey that will be released once the statute of limitations has elapsed.
It's hard to believe that he is no longer with us after the shocking news that he has passed away. Some lads think they are great fellas altogether when they rise up the ranks to editor, or have their own show or get a new job and would barely salute you. Not Johnny. Johnny was not only of a sunny disposition, but he was ever helpful particularly with greenhorns. Johnny was a rockstar. He loved Dutch football, pints and pork chops. He also sounded great on air and his knowledge was second to none.
I came across an archive shot of Johnny this evening in his beloved Dutch kit. Whatever about wanting to kiss Memphis Depay after his double against Club Brugge, LVG would at the very least have given Johnny a big hug had he known about his passion for the Oranje.
The only time we broadcast together was on September 28th 2013. Johnny was presenting Today FM's Fanzone and i was watching Shane O'Donnell announce his arrival on the national stage with a hat trick in Clare's 5-16 to 3-16 All Ireland Final Replay win over Cork. Johnny loved the buzz of the match and we relived that in more sociable circumstances at last year's All Ireland Senior Hurling Final.
Life is too short. Already this year radio has lost one Dude in T Fenton. Now Johnny. Not only was he great company Johnny also knocked the corners off my Today FM colleague John Duggan and the pair became great pals.
Devastated to lose my brother and friend Johnny Lyons, who has passed away peacefully. He touched so many. Life will never be the same.
— John Duggan (@jduggantodayfm) August 19, 2015
We'll miss you Johnny. Ar Dheis Dé Go Raibh Sé.
