The death has occurred of David Houlihan (49), formerly of Kildare Rugby Club. Educated in Rockwell College he captained the side that won the 1966 Munster Schools' Senior Cup, which included Willie Duggan.

David Houlihan was capped by Munster Schools and he went on to play with St Mary's for several seasons in the Leinster League before joining North Kildare. He captained that club in 1971/72 and played in the 1973 Provincial Towns Cup final when North Kildare lost by a point (12-11) to a Jim Glennon-inspired Skerries. In recent years, he turned to coaching, and as youth co-ordinator, he helped establish North Kildare as a force at underage level.

A prop forward of unquenchable spirit, he bore his illness with the characteristic courage and good humour that will be greatly missed by his many friends in Irish rugby. He is survived by his wife, Marie, his four children, Gerard, John, Desmond and Ella, his mother Irene and brothers Tadgh and Donal.