98FM presenter Johnny Lyons found dead in apartment

The 98FM sports presenter Johnny Lyons has been found dead at his home in Dublin.

Mr Lyons, who presented the Now That's What I Call Sport show at the station, had been off work with a broken ankle and was due to return next week.

It is understood colleagues had had difficulty contacting him, which led to concerns. His body was discovered following a subsequent visit to his apartment in Dublin city centre on Wednesday evening.

While the cause of death is not known at this stage, foul play is not believed to be suspected.

Friends and colleagues of the broadcaster, who was aged in his 40s, have been coming to terms with the news.

‘Very jovial’

“He was in good spirits and he was looking forward to getting back to work,” said one. “He was very jovial, a larger than life kind of fella.”

A statement on the 98FM website expressed sadness at the news on behalf of a “heartbroken” staff at the loss of a “dear colleague and great friend”.

“Johnny died suddenly and peacefully at his home in Dublin,” it said.

“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 McCormack, expressed sympathies to the family, saying the entire station was devastated at the news.

“He was a huge part of the 98FM family and will be dearly missed,” he said.