'He was just a great character' - Cullen pays tribute to former teammate Tierney

The Leinster head coach recalled 'magical times' with his former teammate.

Tom Tierney during his time as Ireland U19 head coach. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Fond memories, like flowers in a late frost, can pop up at the most difficult of times. So it was that Leo Cullen’s mind retreated all the way back to Richmond rugby club in the spring of 1998 as he digested the sudden passing of Tom Tierney.

They were apprentice men at the time, kids just emerging from their teens and turning into adulthood and adult rugby via the bridge that was the old U21 grade. And their growth was evident through their experiences in the green jersey 25 years ago.