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Former Ireland and Leinster prop Gary Halpin dies aged 55
By PA
Former Ireland and Leinster prop Gary Halpin has died aged 55.
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Halpin made 11 appearances for Ireland between 1990 and 1995 and had spells at Harlequins and London Irish after starting his career at Leinster.
Everyone at Irish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Ireland international Gary Halpin.
Gary won 11 Test caps, representing Ireland at the 1991 and 1995 Rugby World Cups.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former team-mates at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/vE6HkVLW7x
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 24, 2021
Leinster said on their official website: “Leinster Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Leinster and Ireland prop Gary Halpin at the age of 55.
“Halpin, who also represented London Irish and Harlequins, played 11 times for the national side, famously scoring a try against New Zealand at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
“He made his Ireland debut against England in 1990 and also played at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.”
Halpin studied at Rockwell College and later the University of Manhattan and most recently worked as head of boarding at Cistercian College, Roscrea.
Tributes have poured in for the prop on social media.
“Gary Halpin RIP. One of my favourite players when I was a kid. You need to be a bit mental to give the All Blacks the finger after scoring a try. Ballsy,” wrote former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery.
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Gary Halpin RIP. One of my favourite players when I was a kid. You need to be a bit mental to give the @AllBlacks the finger after scoring a try. Ballsy pic.twitter.com/y8h0iMNL0m
— Jerry Flannery (@jerryflannery) February 24, 2021
World Rugby posted: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of former Ireland prop Gary Halpin, who has sadly passed away aged 55.”
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of former Ireland prop Gary Halpin, who has sadly passed away aged 55 pic.twitter.com/pMYgDHHoAg
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) February 24, 2021
Leinster Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Leinster, @Harlequins, @londonirish and @IrishRugby prop Gary Halpin.
Our thoughts are with Gary's family, friends, and all who knew him.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.https://t.co/TLtCKa7ic1 pic.twitter.com/P9zn2Vp87n
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 24, 2021
Saddened to hear of the passing of one of the game's great characters.
Gary Halpin (1966-2021)
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam pic.twitter.com/UTAlCxSdAA
— RugbyPlayersIreland (@RugbyPlayersIRE) February 24, 2021
It’s with great sadness & surprise that we’ve learned of the sudden & untimely death of IrishRugby legend & Kilkenny RFC life member Gary Halpin, at just 55. Gary played at both 1991 & 1995 world cups, picking up 11 international caps along the way, scoring a memorable try pic.twitter.com/7kWGUcvzSQ
— Kilkenny Rugby (@KilkennyRFC) February 24, 2021
The College community of staff, students, parents and monks were devastated this morning on hearing of the sudden death of our much loved colleague and friend Gary Halpin RIP.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. pic.twitter.com/AqD7gozVVo— Cistercian College (@CCRoscrea) February 24, 2021
