Munster, Ireland and Lions legend Tom Kiernan has passed away.
He was 83.
The Cork native is regarded as one of the all-time greats of rugby in this country.
A talented back, Kiernan won 13 Munster Senior League medals during a distinguished playing career.
Three of those came with UCC and he won a further ten with Cork Constitution.
At international level, he established himself as one of the game's leading players and won a then-record of 54 Irish caps between 1960 and 1973.
He captained his country on 24 occasions and also featured in five tests for the British and Irish Lions. He was captain on the 1968 tour to South Africa.
"The facts speak for themselves, for his has been a career without equal in the history of Irish rugby.”
Our deepest condolences to the family & friends of Tom Kiernan – an all-time great of Munster Rugby, @CorkConRugby, @PBCRugby, @UCCRFC, @IrishRugby & @LionsOfficial.
RIP— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 3, 2022
Kiernan was central to many key moments in green.
He kicked the winning score as Ireland beat South Africa for the first time in 1965 and captained Ireland to a first test win in Australia in 1967.
In the same year, he featured on the Munster team that beat Australia.
Following his playing career, Kiernan was in charge of Munster when they famously beat the All Blacks in 1978 and helped guide Ireland to a Triple Crown in 1982.
Kiernan also enjoyed a successful administrative career, which included a time as President of the IRFU.
“It is with great sadness that I pass on condolences to the Kiernan family, on the passing of their beloved Tom, on behalf of everyone in Irish Rugby," the current IRFU President, Des Kavanagh, said.
"Tom was an inspirational leader both on and off the pitch and he helped to shape rugby into the strong and vibrant game it is today.
"Tom’s life will be reflected upon at our matches this weekend, and his legacy will live long in the history of Irish rugby, may he rest in peace."
Tributes have flooded in, with the Lions describing him as one of their 'greatest full-backs to ever wear the famous red jersey.'
