Tributes paid to Ireland rugby stalwart Brian O'Brien

The IRFU and Munster have paid tribute to the former Ireland player and manager Brian O'Brien, who has passed away aged 83.

O'Brien was appointed as manager of the Ireland men's team in 2000, having previously been in charge of Munster and Shannon as well the the Irish Under-21 side.

"Everyone in Irish Rugby is saddened to hear of the passing of the great Brian O'Brien," said the IRFU. "A legend of the game whose legacy will live on. May he rest in peace."

The former centre played in Shannon's first ever Munster Senior Cup final in 1959 and following provincial representation went on to become the club’s first ever international player, winning his first cap in 1968.

'Briano’ spent almost 15 years playing with Shannon’s senior team, and following his retirement from playing, coached Shannon to Munster Senior Cup titles in 1977 and 1978.

Serving on the IRFU Senior Selection Committee, he was also part of the 1983 British and Irish Lion’s selection committee.

He was inducted into the Munster Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.

Munster Rugby president Ger McNamara said: "It is with great sadness that I pass on condolences to Brian's wife Olive, and children Siobhan, Brendan, Aidan, Ronan, Padraic, Maura and the wider O’Brien family, on behalf of everyone in Munster Rugby.

"Briano’s love of the game was forged from his playing days with Shannon RFC, with his ongoing commitment to the game seen across his coaching and management roles with club, province and beyond.

"His legacy will live long in the history of Munster Rugby, may he rest in peace."