Taoiseach leads tributes to Mick Doyle

Former Irish international rugby coach Mick Doyle was driving to a business meeting when he was killed in a road crash, it emerged tonight.

Doyle, 63, was involved in a collision with an articulated lorry near Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

His crumpled Volvo car was shunted into a field, killing the ex-British Lion instantly.

“He took the full force and didn’t stand a chance,” one police officer at the scene said.

A post mortem was carried out while forensic scientists examined the wreckage.

As the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern led a wave of tributes, firefighters told how they had to cut his body from the car.

District commander Fergal Leonard said: “There was severe impact to the driver’s side.

“We used hydraulic cutting equipment to remove the doors from the car to get the dead man’s body out.”

Doyle, from Naas, Co Kildare, worked as a veterinary surgeon after ending a coaching career topped by the Triple Crown and the Five Nations Championship triumph in 1985.

The father-of-three, who overcame a brain haemorrhage in 1996, was also an in-demand after dinner speaker at rugby clubs throughout the island.

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

With his work regularly taking him across the border, security sources revealed he was driving a company-registered vehicle.

“It looks like he was heading for a business meeting in the area,” said one.

“A work colleague identified him at the mortuary.”

Police immediately alerted gardaí in the Republic who appointed a family liaison team to break the news to his second wife, Mandy.

Former team-mates and public figures stunned by the tragedy recalled his achievements and warm, enthusiastic personality.

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

He also toured South Africa with the British Lions in 1968.

Mr Ahern said his life had been lived to the full as a player, captain and coach.

“He is associated with some of the finest moments in Irish rugby,” the Taoiseach added.

“While he is forever associated in the public mind with the Triple Crown, in private he also successfully fought very serious illnesses.

“I know that his tenacity and courage gave heart to many others.”

Willie-John McBride, the former Lions captain, spoke of his commitment in every match.

He said: “Mick wasn’t a big man, but he gave 150% every time he want on the pitch.”

Mike Gibson, a Belfast-based lawyer regarded by many as Ireland’s greatest ever player, praised Doyle’s ability as a coach.

“Mick encouraged freedom in his players and wasn’t troubled if they made mistakes because it could be remedied in the next session,” he said.

Mr Gibson added: “He was wonderful company, so this is just a numbing experience.

“His speeches were also enormously entertaining, irreverent but harmless. Anyone who experienced one was the better for it.”

Police investigating the crash have urged any witnesses to come forward.

Inspector Alywin Barton said: “This is a tragic loss of life and a very timely reminder to everyone of the dangers on our roads.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the dead man’s family.”