Minister pays tribute to Mick Doyle

Sports Minister John O'Donoghue has paid tribute to Irish rugby legend Mick Doyle who died tragically in a car crash this morning.

"It was with great sadness that I learned this afternoon of the death of my fellow Kerryman, former Ireland rugby player and national coach Mick Doyle," he said.

"Mick enjoyed a distinguished rugby career with Ireland, winning 20 caps as a player between 1965 and 1968 and touring South Africa with the Lions in 1968, and later as national coach.

"Mick later enjoyed success as a writer as well as an analyst and pundit, and never shied away from speaking his mind. We are much the poorer for his passing."

Minister O'Donoghue extended his deepest sympathy to the family of Mick Doyle.