Former Ireland, Munster and Dolphin player Phil O'Callaghan dies aged 83

RIP: Tributes have been paid to former Ireland, Munster and Dolphin player Phil O'Callaghan, who has passed away at the age of 83. Pic: Munster rugby.

Tributes have been paid to former Ireland, Munster and Dolphin player Phil O'Callaghan, who has passed away at the age of 83.

The Cork native won 21 caps for Ireland between 1967 and 1976, while he also representing Munster on 34 occasions.

O’Callaghan began his playing career with Dolphin at the age of 16 and he also went on to coach the side, as well as fellow Cork side Sundays Well.

He was later inducted to the Munster Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016.

Munster posted on social media: “It is with great sadness that Munster Rugby have learned of the passing of Phil O'Callaghan.

“A Dolphin RFC clubman, he made his Munster Senior Cup debut in 1961 having only taken up rugby the previous season and continued to play in the competition every year up until 1980.

“He won 21 caps for his country between 1967 and 1976 and he was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2016.

“Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.”