The death has taken place of Collie Smyth, a man who gave long and distinguished service to rugby as player and legislator. He was 55. Educated at Clongowes Wood College, he joined Clontarf after leaving school and was for long, a familiar figure in the front row of the Clontarf scrum, a hooker of substance. A former captain of the club, he was a member of the last Clontarf team to contest a Leinster Senior Cup final when the club lost in dramatic circumstances to Lansdowne in 1965.

When his playing days were over, he served Clontarf with immense dedication and distinction. He succeeded another great Clontarf stalwart, Fraser McMullen as Clontarf's representative on the Leinster Branch and for well over a decade he gave unstinting service to the branch. A man of unfailing courtesy and good humour, there was no more popular figure in Irish rugby.

He was a perceptive judge of players' abilities which found recognition from his peers on the branch when he was elected to serve on the Leinster senior selection committee. During his tenure of office in that onerous task, he also served for a time as chairman of the selection committee. He is a former president of Clontarf and was honoured with the presidency of the Leinster Branch in 1991-92. He was also a member of Howth Golf Club.

Struck down by a terminal illness, he fought a long and brave battle for well over a year, and bore that great burden with fortitude and courage, sustained by the love and support of his wife Patricia and his family.

Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife, his mother, his three daughters, his son and his extended family.