Irish rugby legend Mick Doyle was killed when a lorry smashed into his car as he attempted a last minute u-turn during rush hour traffic, a court heard today.
The former Lions' star and coach of one of the greatest Ireland sides was only on the road that morning because tiredness stopped him travelling to Northern Ireland from his Co Kildare home the night before, a close friend revealed.
Mr Doyle (63) a consultant veterinary surgeon, was on his way to a business appointment with poultry purchasers when his Volvo was hit by an articulated lorry at Quinn's Corner on the Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone in May 2004. His car was flung across the dual carriageway into a field.
His wife Mandy and the rest of the Doyle family did not attend today's inquest where eye-witnesses relived the horrific crash at a junction repeatedly described as highly dangerous.
But in a moving tribute, their solicitor Ian Martindale told Dungannon Coroners' Court that the tragic accident had snatched a true legend.
The lawyer said: "Michael Gerard Doyle/Mick Doyle/Doyler was one of the most charismatic figures in Irish rugby and indeed Irish sport.
"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.
Much of the praise for the flanker who won 20 caps was based on Ireland's glorious achievements under his guidance.