Rathkeale native Dr Mulcahy, who attended St Munchin’s College, played 35 times for Ireland from his first cap against Australia in 1958 to his last against South Africa in 1965. He captained the side in the 1962 Championship, leading his country on eight occasions in all.
The late Dr Mulcahy, a highly-rated second-row, also toured with the British and Irish Lions to Australia, New Zealand and Canada in 1959 and to South Africa three years later when he brought his tally of Lions Test caps to six in all.
The West Limerick man played in 15 out of the Lions 33 tour games in 1959, and earned two test caps, against Australia on June 6 and against New Zealand on 19 September. The Lions stunned New Zealand 9-6 before 60,000 spectators at Eden Park in the fourth Test that day.
Mulcahy played in 17 out of the Lions 24 tour games in South Africa three years later, including all four of the tests.
The late Bill Mulcahy was among those to receive ceremonial caps for the first time as the British and Irish Lions recognised their contribution to the side in 2018.
In a long and decorated rugby career, he also won a Munster Senior Cup medal with Bohemians (now UL-Bohemias) in 1962.
The late Bill Mulcahy also lined out for UCD, Bective Rangers, St. Vincent’s Hospital and had a long association with Skerries RFC where he and his family lived. He served as President of the Leinster Branch in the 1995/96 season, the first representative from Skerries to hold that position.
He was inducted into the Guinness Hall of Fame in 2009.
Dr. Bill was widely respected and acknowledged as a true gentleman and a legend of the game.
Condolences to his wife Christine, children Billy, Cara, Fiona and Michael, and their partners Susan, Ciaran and Meghna, seven grandchildren Billy, Mark, Ronan, Conor, Anika, Reeva and Neela, brother John, nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family and a large circle of friends and the rugby family who will remember him always.
Following Funeral Mass at St Patrick's Church, Skerries on Wednesday, a private family cremation took place later.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
