Mourners say goodbye to legend Doyler

Mourners today heard how Irish rugby legend Mick Doyle was a great giant of a man and a loveable character who touched every one he met.

Family and friends and colleagues from the world of rugby gather at St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare to pay tribute to one of Ireland’s sporting heroes.

The Dean of Kildare told the hundreds of mourners: “It is a great occasion, a national occasion, but a sad one. One of the great characters in our national life has been taken from us.”

Doyle, aged 63, was killed in an accident with an articulated lorry near Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

The accident happened at a junction known as Quinn’s Corner, on the main Dungannon to Ballygawley A4 road.

The interdenominational service conducted by the Rev David Frazier heard “Doyler” was a man who meant so much to so many.

He said: “A great giant of a man, a loveable character, a man who meant so much in many ways to each one of us.

“We gather to give thanks for every aspect of Mick’s wonderful life which was brought tragically to an end so suddenly.”

Mr Frazier added that Doyle was a quiet, believing Christian without wearing it on his sleeve.

The mourners were led by his wife, Mandy and children, Andrew, Sharon, Emanda and Emma.

Other family relatives included brother Tom and former wife Lynne.

Between 1965 and 1968 the Cambridge educated-flanker won 20 consecutive caps for Ireland.

He also toured South Africa with the Lions in 1968.

Doyle topped his coaching career with Triple Crown and Five Nations Championship triumphs in 1985.

And he fought back from several illnesses throughout his life.

In 1996 he overcame a brain haemorrhage and he also suffered a heart attack in the 1980s.

Brother Tom paid tribute to Doyle. He said: “He was always a privileged person and privileged to come from where he did. Mick had style which we all knew and he had a passion and a belief.

“Mick always lived life the same way, he did it because he loved it and because people appreciated it. He has enriched everyone that he ever met and he enriched their life.”

He added: “He has left a wonderful legacy behind him, two wonderful wives and two wonderful families.”

Many Irish international rugby players spanning decades attended the service, including Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll, former players Mick Galwey, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Donal Lenihan, Willie Anderson and Tom Doyle.

A close friend of Mick’s for some 45 years, Ned Thornton paid a moving and witty tribute to Doyle.

Thornton told the congregation how Doyle was in constant touch with a friend who had been suffering from leukaemia for a number of years.

He said: “His compassion and loyalty to friends even when he was in rehabilitation, it was other people he thought of. There was always someone more in need than himself.”

A guard of honour including former Irish rugby internationals formed at the entrance to the Cathedral as Doyle's coffin was carried out by members of the 1985 Triple Crown winning team.

Several politicians were also present at the service including Sports Minister John O’Donoghue and Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy.

Other high profile guests paying their respects included Mick O’Dwyer, former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s representative, Aides de Camp Commandant Michael Murray, millionaire businessman Ulick McEvady and Dublin publican Charlie Chalke.

Rev. Frazier was assisted in the Thanksgiving Service by the Dean of Kildare, The Very Rev. Robert Townley and Fr John Heffernan of the Dominican Community in Athy.

Son Andrew, also paid tribute to one of the games most flamboyant and irreverent characters.

He said: “Speaking about my father is always difficult, particularly as I never got a word in edgeways.

“He gave us the encouragement and motivation to reach our goals, he backed us 100%.

“Thank you for the fun and passion that you brought to us. Cause as much fun and laughter in your place of rest as you did here.”

The service moved on to Millicent Cemetery near Kildare for private burial.