LIMERICK RUGBY was in mourning last night following the death of former Lion and Irish player Colm Tucker.

Aged 59, Tucker was one of the outstanding wing forwards of his era and he helped Shannon win six Munster senior cups.

The first of his three caps for Ireland came against France at Lansdowne Road in January 1979.

The following year he played two Tests for the Lions in the 3-1 series loss against South Africa, playing a key role in the tourists’ 17-13 win in the final Test.

He would have won many more caps for Ireland if it were not for the presence of John O’Driscoll, Fergus Slattery and Willie Duggan in the Ireland backrow of that era.

He was president of Shannon in the 1999-2000 season and he was also a coach and selector.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, sons Colm and Richard and by his daughter Rachel.

Tucker was a former area sales manager with Saab and he was also a publican.