Rugby legend 'died doing u-turn'

Mick Doyle masterminded Ireland's Triple Crown win in 1985

Irish rugby star Mick Doyle was killed when a lorry crashed into his car as he attempted a last minute u-turn in rush hour traffic, an inquest has heard.

He won 20 caps for Ireland between 1965 and 1968 and played for the Lions.

Mr Doyle, 63, was on his way to a business appointment when his car was hit by a lorry on the Ballygawley Road in Dungannon in May 2004.

The court was told the impact of the collision flung his car across the dual carriageway and into a field.

Mr Doyle's wife, Mandy, and the rest of his family did not attend the inquest at Dungannon Coroners' Court on Tuesday.

But in a moving tribute, the family's solicitor said that the tragic accident had snatched a true legend.

"Michael Gerard Doyle/Mick Doyle/Doyler was one of the most charismatic figures in Irish rugby and indeed Irish sport," the lawyer said.

"He played rugby with distinction for Garryowen, Blackrock College, UCD, Cambridge University, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.

"He then went on to become a highly successful coach of both Leinster and Ireland and may be best remembered for coaching the Irish team which won the Triple Crown in great style in 1985."

'Unavoidable collision'

Mr Doyle's friend and business associate William McCollum, who was to meet him on the morning he died, said he was a careful, observant driver.

He told the inquest that Mr Doyle had left his home in Sherlockstown, Sallins, at 0600 BST to attend business meetings with poultry firms Moy Park and O'Kanes.

Police officers who attended the scene of the crash told the hearing the lorry driver had said the collision was unavoidable after Mr Doyle suddenly swung out into his path. No charges were brought against him.

Forensic scientist Stephen Quinn told the inquest: "He attempted to perform a u-turn manoeuvre really quickly once he had reached his decision.

"However, the lorry approaching from Dungannon was too close for the driver to avoid collision."

A post mortem examination confirmed that Mr Doyle had suffered severe head injuries which caused instant death.

Serious chest and abdominal injuries inflicted in the crash would also have most likely proved fatal No traces of either alcohol or drugs were found in his body.

In his findings, coroner Brian Sherrard told the court Mr Doyle had embarked on a last minute u-turn which brought his car into collision with the lorry. "He died instantly," he added.