The recent death of multiple Irish grasstrack champion Mick Cahill will have been missed by some, given that he moved to Africa in the 1950s and lived abroad for the remainder of his 72 years.

But Cahill will be remembered as one of the strongmen of Irish cycling, a track specialist who could mix it with the roadmen and more than hold his own in tough, 100-mile road races.

"He had strength and endurance that most track riders simply don't have," says former rival Gene Mangan, "and that meant that he was one of the few who could compete equally well on the road. Mick was a great (Phoenix) park rider too, very strong and quick."

After leaving Ireland, Cahill lived in Zambia and Zimbabwe, where he worked as a miner. Following his retirement he moved to Australia and lived there up until his recent death.

He is survived by his wife Gabriel, son Michael and daughter Catherine. A funeral mass will be held in Dundrum church at 10 o'clock this morning.