NPR

Irish rugby great Tom Kiernan dies, aged 83


Tom Kiernan, one of the true giants of Irish rugby, has passed away at the age of 83. Indeed, in a career spanning half a century as player, coach and administrator, it’s doubtful anyone has left a bigger imprint on the sport in this country.

A member of a renowned rugby family, he was educated at Presentation Brothers College, Cork and won schools’ junior and senior cup medals with the college and played for Munster schools.

As a fullback Kiernan captained his beloved Cork Constitution, Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions all. He played 54 Tests for Ireland in 14 seasons between 1960 and 1973, missing only three matches after a run of 52 games in a row when sustaining a broken foot in a draw with France at Lansdowne Road in the opening game of the 1970 Five Nations.

In his final Test against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1973, he scored a try and was then just one cap short of the then world record held by New Zealand’s Colin Meads.