Tributes Pour In For Mick Doyle

The tributes pour in for former Ireland and Lions player and Triple Crown coach, Mick Doyle who lost his life in a road traffic accident near Dungannon yesterday morning.

IRFU President John Quilligan said, “It is with a great sense of shock and sorrow that I have learned of
the
death of Mick Doyle. On my own behalf and that of the Irish Rugby
Football
Union, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to Mandy and all
the
Doyle family on their tragic loss.

“Mick Doyle leaves an indelible mark on Irish rugby as a player of
distinction, having won 20 caps for Ireland between 1965 and 68 and
also as
a coach of renown, having led Ireland to Triple Crown victory in 1985.

“He gave the game great service in his associations with Ireland, the
Lions,
U.C.D., Blackrock College, Garryowen, Cork Constitution, Cambridge University and Edinburgh
Wanderers as a
player, and then with Leinster and Ireland as a selector and coach.

“More than that, Mick was also a larger than life character of great
popularity, who will be sorely missed in all rugby circles. May he
rest in
peace.”

In addition a statement from the Ulster Branch IRFU read,
“It is with great shock that the Ulster Branch of the IRFU
learned of
the tragic death of Mick Doyle this morning.

“As well as being a
distinguished player and coach, he was also one of rugby’s great
characters who will be sorely missed.

“All at Ulster Rugby extend their
deepest sympathies to the family circle.”

Born in Currow, Co Kerry, Doyle came from the same village as Moss Keane and Mick Galwey and was educated at Newbridge College and UCD, where he qualified as a veterinary surgeon.

A tough and talented wing forward, Doyle won the first of his 20 Ireland caps in the 3-3 draw against France at Lansdowne Road in January 1965. During his international career he played in a back-row at various times alongside Ronnie Lamont, Noel Murphy, Ken Goodall, Mick Hipwell and, during the 1967/68 championship, alongside his brother Tom.

He won his final cap in October 1968 on the Tom Kiernan led Ireland side that defeated Australia 10-3 at Lansdowne Road.

During his career as a coach he enjoyed success with Leinster and coached Ireland to Triple Crown success in 1985.