Tributes are pouring in from the rugby world following the death of Tom Tierney at the age of 46.
The Limerick native represented Ireland eight times and appeared in four World Cup games in Wales in 1999.
In 2014, Tierney became head coach of the Ireland women's team and subsequently led them to their second Six Nations title, with only a narrow defeat against France denying them a Grand Slam.
Tierney stepped down from his position after a disappointing World Cup campaign on home soil in 2017 but remained in Irish rugby working with the U20 and U19 international teams.
Tributes paid to Tom Tierney
The IRFU has led tributes to Tierney.
"Everyone in Irish Rugby is deeply shocked to hear of the sudden loss of Tom Tierney," said chief executive Kevin Potts in a statement.
"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."
Our thoughts are with the family of Tom Tierney at this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 24, 2023
Former teammate and provincial and international level Frankie Sheahan also paid tribute to Tierney.
"I am truly devastated to hear the news today of my great friend and teammate Tom Tierney," he wrote on Twitter.
"Fantastic player, superb character and outstanding coach. Thoughts and prayers with Mary and all the family."
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 …@Munsterrugby @IrishRugby @connachtrugby @LeicesterTigers pic.twitter.com/wHiDxKl92H
— Frankie Sheahan (@FrankieSheahan) February 24, 2023
Munster Rugby said they were "devastated" to learn of the news.
Munster Rugby are devastated to learn of the passing of Tom Tierney.
A former Munster player, Tom is our National Talent Coach & previously coached Ireland Women, @GarryowenFC & @CorkConRugbyFC.
Thinking of his wife Mary, daughters Isabel and Julia and wider family & friends 🌹— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 24, 2023
Struggling to take this news in, devastated for the family and many many friends of Tom Tierney. 💔 https://t.co/gaZUAKdNyK
— Michael Corcoran (@MichaelC_RTE) February 24, 2023
Tierney represented Richmond, Garryowen, Munster, Galwegians, Connacht and Leicester during his career.
He also took charge of the Ireland Club International squad in 2013 as well as working with Garryowen and Cork Constitution.
May he rest in peace.
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