“YOU better not be going to Sky Sports.” The joke of the day belonged to Joe Brolly as he gave Michael Lyster a stern warning as the Waterford man said goodbye to The Sunday Game after an incredible 34 years presenting the show.
On a day when it felt like some things never change as Dublin reigned supreme on the pitch, up in the RTE box a momentous switch was taking place as the incredibly popular presenter was bid farewell after holding the fort for 77 All-Ireland finals.
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Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh led the way with a video tribute looking back at his career before the Three Amigos – Colm O’Rourke, Pat Spillane and Joe Brolly – added their own eulogies.
“I’d just like to say thank you for your courtesy, your civility and your professionalism,” said O’Rourke.
“You never wanted to be the story, you let us get on with it and you were just fantastic. Well done.”
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“I want to thank him personally for being so professional, so kind to us, so understanding, putting up with all these prima donnas here,” added Spillane.
“You’ve made The Sunday Game the institution it has been. From a lesser TV programme, there’s three guys who have thrown their name into the hat for a nomination for President, Michael throw your hat into the nomination for President, we’ll back you.”
As he has proven over three decades, Lyster demonstrated one last time that he doesn’t want the spotlight on him, even on his big day. A quick acknowledgement and it was back to the action.
“Thanks lads, you’re very kind. Let’s just wrap up on this football final.”
The Sunday Game will never be the same.
