Donal Lenihan: Tommy Kiernan marched us in to the rhythms of a Caribbean band

A SPECIAL MAN: Former Irish Lions Ronnie Dawson, Tom Kiernan, and Noel Murphy at the Kinsale Sevens. ‘What Tom Kiernan has done for Irish rugby will never be surpassed,’ writes Donal Lenihan. Picture: Des Barry

A force of nature in so many ways, Tom Kiernan — Tommy, TJ, or the Silver Fox as he was affectionately known by so many in his inner sanctum — was a truly remarkable character.

The stories are legendary. For a man who came across as private, reserved, and distant to many in the public arena, once he took you into his confidence, what you found was a warm, enriching and, at times, an intense figure, especially when it came to debating all things rugby and the state of the game worldwide. That was his passion.