Shock and sadness at the passing of Limerick rugby star Tom Tierney

THE WIDER rugby world is in mourning this Friday afternoon after the news broke of the passing of former Irish international, and Limerick's own Tom Tierney. He has passed away at the age of 46.

Tom started his rugby career with Richmond and then continued his club rugby with Garryowen, Munster, Leicester Tigers, Connacht and Galwegians before he moved into the world of coaching.

He also played nine times for Ireland, four of which came at the 1999 World Cup. Following his playing career. Tierney went on to be a top coach with Crescent College Comprehensive, Garryowen, Cork Con and the Ireland Club team.

In 2014, he started working with the IRFU, taking charge of the Ireland U19s and 20s, before coaching the Ireland Women's 7s and 15-a-side teams, winning the Six Nations in 2015.

Since 2021 he had been working as a National Talent coach, working with Munster Academy players at the High Performance Centre in UL.

Confirming the sad news, the IRFU's chief executive, Kevin Potts, said: "Everyone in Irish Rugby is deeply shocked to hear of the sudden loss of Tom Tierney. Our immediate thoughts are with his wife Mary and daughters Isabel and Julia, as well as his many friends, colleagues and former team-mates.

"Tom was an outstanding scrum-half and his time in the Ireland jersey will always be an immense source of pride for his family and the clubs that supported him on his journey.

"He also amassed an impressive CV as a coach and we were honoured to have him as a colleague in the IRFU from 2014 to present. He will be sorely missed."

Former Munster teammate, Frankie Sheahan added: "I am truly devastated to hear the news today of my great friend and teammate Tom Tierney.

"Fantastic player, superb character and outstanding coach. Thoughts and prayers with Mary and all the family."