Tributes have poured in following the overnight death of former Ireland rugby international Tom Tierney at the age of 46, know his cause of death and wife
The Limerick native has died at 46.
Ireland rugby player and coach Tom Tierney cause of death, obituary, age, wife and career stats
Tom Tierney, a former Ireland women’s head coach who amassed eight senior international caps during his playing career, passed away unexpectedly at age 46. He served as the head coach of the women’s senior international team and the men’s U20 team, among other positions, during the course of the past year in Irish rugby.
Tierney’s cause of death is currently unknown as he passed away suddenly. Tom Tierney was married, and his wife Mary was the one he leaves behind.
Former Ireland Women's Head Coach Tom Tierney, DEAD AT 46…
"DEAD SUDDENLY"…
Represented Richmond, Garryowen, Munster, Leicester Tiger, Galwegians and Connacht during his playing career…
– BBC Sports, Mirror pic.twitter.com/ko3UClOfAw
— Dr. James E. Olsson (@DrJamesOlsson) February 24, 2023
International sport is a privilege but also an immense challenge. If my first Head Coach wasn’t Tom Tierney then I may not still be lucky to do this every day. A special person and a joy to work alongside. Love to his family and a toast to the wonderful memories left behind pic.twitter.com/T3ndcPAiRd
— Ed Slattery (@edsla_) February 24, 2023
Playing and managerial career
Tierney had worked for the IRFU since 2014 in a variety of coaching positions. He worked with the men’s u19s, the women’s 7s, and the women’s senior squad in addition to the men’s U20s and the women. In 2015, he coached the women’s 15s to a Six Nations championship.
Tierney, a native of Limerick, made his Ireland debut in 1999 and participated in four World Cup games that year. During his playing career, Tierney played for Richmond, Garryowen, Munster, Leicester Tigers, Galwegians, and Connacht. The Limerick man held leadership positions with Crescent College Comprehensive SJ, Garryowen, Cork Constitution, and the Ireland Club XV team after transitioning to coaching.
After that, Tierney worked in a variety of coaching capacities for the IRFU beginning in 2014. He was in charge of the Ireland women’s Sevens and 15s teams for three years beginning in 2014, followed by assignments with the nation’s Under-19 and Under-20 men’s teams.
He led the 15s to the 2015 Six Nations championship during his tenure as coach of the women’s teams. As national talent coach for the IRFU, Tierney’s most recent position saw him situated at the Munster Academy. Between 2014 and 2017, he oversaw the Ireland women’s team as part of his coaching career.
Official statement from Irish Rugby
Irish Rugby issued a statement expressing “great dismay” on behalf of all Union members. “Everyone in Irish Rugby is very shocked to hear of the sudden loss of Tom Tierney,” Chief Executive Kevin Potts said. “Our sympathies right now are with his wife Mary, children Isabel and Julia, as well as all of his current and past teammates and friends.”