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:

He was one of those people who changed the energy of a room by simply stepping into it. I always felt about 50% happier for having met him. — Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) August 19, 2015 Source: Ross O'Carroll-Kelly /Twitter

Such sad news about the passing of Johnny Lyons - what a distinctive voice, always made sport so exciting! #rip — Jayann Walsh (@JayannMWalsh) August 19, 2015 Source: Jayann Maher /Twitter

Desperately sad news about Johnny Lyons. Lived his job, and was a pleasure to work for and with. Condolences to those close to him — Richie McCormåck (@RichieMcCormack) August 19, 2015 Source: Richie McCormåck /Twitter

Always entertaining, generous to new staff, and legendary both off and on-air. An unforgettable man. RIP Johnny Lyons, from "Big Al". @98FM — Alan Regan (@alan_regan) August 19, 2015 Source: Alan Regan /Twitter

- with reporting from Órla Ryan

Originally published: 20.25