Members of Ireland's 1985 Triple Crown winning team were among the hundreds of mourners at the removal of Mick Doyle yesterday evening.
Mr Doyle (63), who coached the team and played rugby for Ireland in the 1960s, died on Tuesday when his car collided with a lorry near Dungannon, Co Tyrone. The Rev David Frazier, Rector of Clane parish, told the packed congregation at St Brigid's Cathedral, Kildare, that "Doyler" was a wonderful sportsman who has given joy to many. "There is sadness that he did not reach his three score and 10 years, but he lived a life full of joy and happiness, and a life that gave joy and happiness to others."
Rev Frazier said Mr Doyle, as well as being a wonderful sportsman, was also a "faithful and devoted husband, father and a wonderful friend".
The mourners were led by his wife, Mandy, and his children, Andrew, Sharon, Emanda and Emma. Many other relatives and friends were in attendance, including his brother Tom, and his former wife Lynne. The packed congregation also included dozens of current and former Irish rugby internationals.
Members of the 1985 Triple Crown winning team present included the captain Ciarán Fitzgerald, Michael Bradley, Donal Lenihan and Michael Kiernan. Others members of the team are expected to attend today's funeral.
Members of Ireland's current Triple Crown winning team were also in attendance, including Reggie Corrigan, Victor Costelloe and team manager Brian O'Brien.
Many former Irish internationals spanning several decades were present, including Mick Galwey, Alan Duggan, Fergus Slattery, Niall Brophy, Harry Harbison, Jimmy Kelly, Seán McHale, Ned Byrne, Moss Keane, Paul Dean and Philip O'Callaghan.
Official representatives of the world of sport included the IRFU president, Mr John Quilligan, as well as representatives from GAA and athletics.
Ciarán Fitzgerald said the news of Mr Doyle's death had come as a shock, but he hoped the tributes to the former Irish coach would help ease the burden of grief on the family. "For the next 48 hours there will be stories told about the man and they will all be different. The guy was unique. He was an encyclopaedia of knowledge on so many subjects."
Moss Keane, who grew up with Mick Doyle in Castleisland, Co Kerry, paid tribute to his impact on Irish rugby. "He changed the game. He was a breath of fresh air. He resuscitated the whole thing. He was way ahead of his team in what was still an amateur game. We're all very sad. It was a big shock for all of us."
Several politicians were also present, including Fine Gael's spokesman on sport, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, TD, and Fianna Fáil TDs Mr Jim Glennon - also a former rugby international - and Mr Seán Power.
Rev Frazier was assisted in last evening's removal by the Dean of Kildare, the Very Rev Robert Townley. Fr John Heffernan of the Dominican Community in Athy gave a reading from the Book of Psalms. A cousin of Mr Doyle, Fr Timmy O'Connell, was also present at the removal.
Mr Doyle's funeral will take place today following a Thanksgiving Service at noon in St Brigid's Cathedral, Kildare town.
