MUNSTER AND IRISH rugby legend Moss Keane has died at the age of 62.

Keane was capped 51 times for his country, making his debut in a the 1974 Five Nations match against France in Paris. Keane toured New Zealand with the Lions in 1977, and was part of the Munster side which beat New Zealand in 1978- the only Irish side ever to do so.

The Kerry native will also be fondly remembered as an enthusiast of Gaelic Games. Keane represented Kerry at under 21 level and won a Sigerson Cup with UCC in his college years.

Moss Keane is survived by his wife Anne and his two daughters Sarah and Anne Marie.

The vice-chairperson of the Kerry North county council Arthur Spring was among those to pay tribute. Spring’s uncles Donal and Dick both played with Keane.

“The word legend is often bandied about, but in the case of Moss it is a tribute that was well and truly deserved. He clocked up an impressive 51 caps in an international career that spanned ten years, and lined out for Munster against the All Blacks on that famous day in Thomond Park in 1978.”

Fine Gael spokesperson for Sport John O’Mahony TD also honoured Keane.

“Moss was known not just for his rugby exploits. He was one of the very few sportsmen who could cross the boundary to play at the very highest level in two sports and he was a gaelic footballer of the highest calibre. I played against him at Sigerson Cup level and, like all who came up against him, found him to be nothing but committed on the pitch and the life and soul of the party after.”

Listen to Moss Keane speaking to RTE in February 2010 here.