Mourners today heard how Irish rugby legend Mick Doyle was a great giant of a man and a loveable character who touched the lives of every one he met.
Family and friends and colleagues from the world of rugby gather at St Brigid's Cathedral in Kildare to pay tribute to one of Ireland's sporting heroes.
The Dean of Kildare, Rev David Frazier, told the hundreds of mourners: "It is a great occasion, a national occasion, but a sad one. One of the great characters in our national life has been taken from us."
Mr Doyle (63), was killed in an accident with an articulated lorry near Dungannon, County Tyrone. The accident happened at a junction known as Quinn's Corner, on the main Dungannon to Ballygawley A4 road.
The interdenominational service conducted by the Rev David Frazier heard "Doyler" was a man who meant so much to so many.
Between 1965 and 1968 the Cambridge educated-flanker won 20 consecutive caps for Ireland. He also toured South Africa with the British Lions in 1968.
Mr Doyle from Naas, Co Kildare, topped his coaching career with Triple Crown and Five Nations Championship triumphs in 1985. Mr Doyle fought back from several illnesses throughout his life. In 1996 he overcame a brain haemorrhage and he also suffered a heart attack in the 1980s.
Many Irish international rugby players spanning decades attended the service, including Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll, former players Mick Galwey, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Donal Lenihan, Willie Anderson and Tom Doyle.
A guard of honour including former Irish rugby internationals formed at the entrance to the Cathedral as Doyle's coffin was carried out by members of the 1985 Triple Crown winning team.
Several politicians were also present at the service including the Minister for Sport, Mr O'Donoghue and the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy.
The service moved on to Millicent Cemetery near Kildare for private burial.