Michael D, BOD and ROG - Tributes to 'thorough gentleman' Jack Kyle

The man widely revered as one of Ireland’s greatest rugby players died today aged 88.

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins, Brian O’Driscoll and Ronan O’Gara have led the tributes to Irish rugby giant Jack Kyle who died today aged 88.

President Higgins said: “Jack Kyle will be fondly remembered as one of our greatest ever rugby players and sportspeople, who played with such distinction for Ireland and the Lions.

He was rightly highly respected, not just for his talent, but also for his attitude and principles as a sportsman.

“He also made a significant contribution to medicine, working tirelessly for many decades as surgeon in Zambia, before returning to Ireland.

“All of us enjoyed watching his return to Cardiff in 2009, where he witnessed the Irish team win the Grand Slam after a sixty-one year wait. Hopefully he was able to enjoy Ireland’s outstanding success in the three recent Autumn Internationals – a fitting testament to him”

Kyle was part of Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning team of 1948 and in 2002, was voted the country’s greatest ever rugby player.

Was great to have shared the day with Jack Kyle in Cardiff in 09. A thorough gentleman. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) November 28, 2014

Ronan O Gara / Twitter

RIP Jack Kyle. A terrific player & a proper gentleman.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) November 28, 2014

Brian O'Driscoll / Twitter

RIP Jack Kyle. One of the greatest players to have ever represented Ulster, Ireland and the British Irish Lions. pic.twitter.com/HjUFA5BBjf
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) November 28, 2014

Ulster Rugby / Twitter

Our respects to @IrishRugby legend Jack Kyle, one of the gentlemen of world rugby and part of the famous 1948 Grand Slammers #RIPJackKyle
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 28, 2014

All Blacks / Twitter

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

My deepest sympathies are with the family of Jack Kyle. A gentleman and one of the all time greats of our sport
— Tommy Bowe (@TommyBowe) November 28, 2014

Tommy Bowe / Twitter

Very sad to hear of the passing of @IrishRugby legend Jack Kyle.Thoughts are with his family#Gentleman
— Peter Stringer (@stringer9) November 28, 2014

Peter Stringer / Twitter

More Stories

Kyle is chaired off the pitch by his team-mates after a game against England. S&G and Barratts/EMPICS Sport

RIP

Author

Niall Kelly

View 4 comments

Send Tip or Correction

4 Comments

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other

Brian O'Driscoll

Jack Kyle

Ronan O'Gara