A legend, a leader, a braveheart: tributes paid to rugby legend Willie Duggan

A legend, a leader, a braveheart, a kind, loving and spiritual man were among the accolades used to describe Willie Duggan at his funeral Mass, when more than 1,000 people gathered to say farewell to a giant of Irish and international rugby.

The 67-year-old died suddenly at his home in Dunmore, Co Kilkenny, on Monday and his family had wanted his wake on Wednesday and funeral yesterday to be a celebration of his life, encouraging mourners to dress colourfully rather than in black.

That theme was carried through the Mass which, while laced with sadness and shock, was also notable for the happy memories recalled by his family and also the chief celebrant and friend Fr Frank Purcell.