Irish rugby mourning death of 'legend and gentleman of the game' as ex-Leinster star leads tributes

He was such a high-quality player that he featured in multiple British and Irish Lions Tours

SAD LOSS Irish rugby mourning death of ‘legend and gentleman of the game’ as ex-Leinster star leads tributes

IRISH rugby is mourning the sad death of 'legend and gentleman of the game' Dr. Bill Mulcahy at the age of 90.

He lined out for Ireland on 35 occasions between 1958 and 1965.

3 Pictured in 2009 at the Leinster Annual Awards Ball being presented with his Hall of Fame award by Michael Whelan Credit: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

3 Pictured in the front row, fourth from left before an inter-provincial match for Leinster against Munster

3 Nine-times capped ex-international Bernard Jackman is one of many within the Irish rugby community to express their sorrow at hearing of his passing

An IRFU statement laid out the length and breath of his accomplishments on the pitch.

It read: "The committee and staff of the Irish Rugby Football Union are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great Dr. Bill Mulcahy.

"A Limerick native, who attended St. Munchin’s College, he played 35 times for Ireland from his first cap against Australia in 1958 to his last against South Africa in 1965 and captained the side in the 1962 Championship.

"He played on the 1959 British and Irish Lions tour, becoming the one of the first players from UCD to play for the famous touring team.

"He was capped six times for the Lions on the ’59 and 1962 tours.

"In a long and decorated rugby career he played for UL Bohemian, UCD, Bective Rangers, St. Vincent’s Hospital and of course had a long association with Skerries RFC where he and his family lived.

"He served as President of the Leinster Branch in the 1995/96 season, the first representative from Skerries to hold that position.

"He was inducted into the Guinness Hall of Fame in 2009.

"Dr. Bill was widely respected and acknowledged as a true gentleman and a legend of the game.

"We offer our condolences to his wife Christine, children Billy, Cara, Fiona and Michael.

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"We also offer condolences to his children's partners Susan, Ciaran and Meghna, adored seven grandchildren Billy, Mark, Ronan, Conor, Anika, Reeva and Neela, brother John, nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family and a large circle of friends and to the rugby family in Skerries and beyond who will remember him always."

Former Leinster and Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman was among those to echo these sentiments upon hearing the sad news.

The RTE pundit commented: "A legend of the game and a gentleman too."

Mr Mulcahy's rip.ie post states that he died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones at Beaumont Hospital.

Additionally, it informs readers that his funeral mass is to take place in St Patrick's Church in Skerries at 10am on Wednesday.

It will be followed by a private family cremation.

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