Mick Doyle was remembered as a "giant of a man" who brought joy to countless people in a series of emotional tributes by family and friends at his funeral yesterday.
Hundreds of mourners, including dozens of current and former Irish rugby internationals, were among the packed congregation at St Brigid's Cathedral, Kildare.
In a tribute to the coach of the 1985 Triple Crown-winning side, former team-mates Ciarán Fitzgerald, Donal Lenihan, Willie Anderson, Michael Kiernan and Philip Orr helped carry his remains from the cathedral to the strains of The Fields of Athenry.
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.
His close friend and rugby colleague, Mr Ned Thornton, told the congregation that as well as being an outstanding sportsman, "Doyler" was a loving father, devoted husband and man of great compassion. "As a coach he was a psychologist to his players as well as a nursemaid. He knew everything there was to be known. He demanded loyalty to him and each other, and they all responded."
Mr Thornton said that despite the shock of his close friend's death, he hoped the many tributes to the former coach would help console Mr Doyle's family.
"In this time of grief, please tinge it with a bit of joy that you were a massive part in the life of the most unique and wonderful man I knew . . . I say to St Peter, open up them gates, the Doyler is on the way up!" he said to warm applause in the cathedral.
After surviving numerous illnesses, including a heart attack and a brain haemorrhage, Mr Doyle died on Tuesday when his car collided with a lorry near Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
The Kerry-born sportsman earned 20 caps with the Irish rugby team in the 1960s and began a successful coaching career with Leinster in 1979. He took over the Irish team in 1984, coaching them to Triple Crown and Five Nations victory the following year. Former Irish rugby internationals at yesterday's funeral included Hugo MacNeill and Mike Gibson, and Ollie Campbell of the 1985 winning team. Other current and former internationals were Brian O'Driscoll, Mick Galwey, Tony Ward, Moss Keane, Karl Mullen and Noel Murphy.
Political representatives included the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, the Minister for Arts, Tourism and Sport, Mr O'Donoghue, and local Fine Gael TD Mr Bernard Durkan. The Taoiseach was represented by his aide-de-camp, Comdt Michael Murray.
The former Supreme Court judge, Mr Justice Hugh O'Flaherty, Dublin publican Mr Charlie Chawke and businessman Mr Ulick McEvaddy were also present.
Mr Doyle's brother Tom paid tribute to the family's relations in Castleisland, Co Kerry, who he said played a central role in encouraging Mick's sporting and educational exploits.
Mr Doyle's son, Andrew, described his father as "the most wonderful, honest and fun-loving man I ever met". He added: "May you rest in peace and cause as much fun and laughter in your next place of rest as you did here."
The Rev David Frazier, rector of Clane parish, said the large turnout at yesterday's thanksgiving service reflected the esteem in which Mr Doyle was held. "We have come here to remember a great giant of a man, a loveable character, a man who meant so much in so many different ways to each one of us. We gather here to give thanks for every aspect of our friend Mick's wonderfully full life, so tragically short."
Rev Frazier was assisted in the service by the Dean of Kildare, the Very Rev Robert Townley. Mr Doyle's remains were buried at Millicent churchyard in the parish of Clane, a short distance from his home.
Members of Mr Doyle's family, including his daughters Sharon and Emanda, gave readings, while the captain of the 1985 team, Ciarán Fitzgerald, delivered a poetic tribute to his former coach.
