Former Ireland rugby forward Moss Keane dies

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Trevor Ringland pays tribute to former Ireland player Moss Keane

Former Ireland and Lions lock Moss Keane has died, aged 62.

Keane, who won 51 Irish international caps and played in Munster's famous 1978 win over the All Blacks, had been suffering from cancer for some time.

The Kerry man made his Ireland debut in Paris in 1974 and toured New Zealand in 1977 with the British and Irish Lions.

Keane had been a notable young Gaelic footballer, playing at college level for University College Cork and representing Kerry at under-21 level.

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He made his senior debut for Ireland in January 1974 against France at Parc des Princes and helped the men in green win the Five Nations Championship that year.

His only Test try came in a 22-15 home victory over Scotland in February 1980.

Keane was regarded as one of Irish rugby's great characters and in 1984 he became only the third Irish forward to win 50 international caps, after Willie John McBride and Fergus Slattery.

Photos: Moss Keane's career

Holding a masters degree in dairy science, he worked for many years in the Irish Department of Agriculture, and released his autobiography, 'Rucks, Mauls and Gaelic Football', in 2005.

He is survived by his wife Anne and daughters, Sarah and Anne Marie.

"Quite simply, Irish rugby has lost one of its most genuine characters and legends of the game," said Irish Rugby Football Union president Caleb Powell.

"Moss had ability on the field that no-one could doubt from his record at club, provincial and international level.

"Lansdowne, Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions all benefited from his presence and ensured that his reputation will live long in the memories of not only Irish rugby, but world rugby."