The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has led tributes to Mick Doyle, the Irish rugby legend who was killed in a road accident in the North yesterday morning, writes Liam Reid
Mr Doyle (63), a former rugby international who coached Ireland's 1985 Triple Crown-winning team, was killed instantly when his car was in collision with a lorry at a notorious accident black-spot near Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
The Kerry-born sportsman played rugby for Ireland in the 1960s, earning 20 caps in three years, and toured Australia with Ireland and South Africa with the Lions team. He began his successful coaching career with Leinster in 1979, and took over the Irish team in 1984, coaching them to the Triple Crown and Five Nations victory the following year.
Despite illness, including a heart attack in 1987 and a brain haemorrhage in 1996, he went on to enjoy a successful career as an outspoken rugby pundit, businessman and vet.
Mr Ahern said Mick Doyle's was "a life that was truly lived to the full. As a player, captain and coach, he is associated with some of the finest moments in modern Irish rugby."
Mr Doyle's Volvo car was hit side-on by a DAF lorry at Quinn's corner, on the A4 between Dungannon and Ballygawley. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It is believed his car emerged from the Killymyle side road and into the path of the oncoming lorry. The lorry-driver received minor injuries.
Local politicians have raised serious concerns about the road, one of the busiest in the North, carrying 20,000 cars a day on its 20-mile stretch. It claimed the lives of the brother and sister of Tyrone GAA player Kevin Hughes in two separate collisions. Ms Helen Hughes was killed in 2001, while her brother, Mr Paul Francis Hughes, had been killed in another accident four years previously. SDLP councillor Mr Anthony McGonnell described the road as "a death trap".
The IRFU led tributes from the sporting bodies, including the GAA and FAI. IRFU president Mr John Quilligan said Mr Doyle had made a huge contribution to Irish rugby. "More than that, Mick was also a larger than life character of great popularity, who will be sorely missed in all rugby circles."
He is survived by his second wife, Mandy, first wife Lynne, and four children.