Kilkenny native and former Irish rugby prop Gary Halpin has died at the age of 55.
Playing prop in two World Cups for Ireland in 1991 and 1995, Halpin was best remembered for the try that he scored against New Zealand in a 1995 Rugby World Cup pool match. Halpin also won 11 caps for Ireland.
Playing most of his club rugby with the London Irish, his first game with Ireland was against England in 1990. Halpin then moved onto the Harlequins before finishing with Leinster, as well as representing Ireland in the 1987 World Athletics Championship in the hammer event.
Following his retirement, Halpin became a teacher in England and then became head of boarding at the Cistercian College in Roscrea.
Kilkenny Rugby Club paid tribute to Gary Halpin with Leinster Rugby and Irish Rugby giving their thoughts to their former player’s friends and family.