Tipperary-born former IRFU president and Nenagh Ormond stalwart Caleb Powell passes away

Tributes have been paid by the Irish Rugby Football Union to its former president Templederry-born Caleb Powell, who passed away this Wednesday.

In a post on Twitter, the IRFU said: "We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former IRFU President Caleb Powell. Our deepest sympathies to his family. A great servant of the game."

Mr Powell was the IRFU's 122nd president and a former president of Lansdowne Rugby Club in the 1993/94 season and also President of the Leinster Branch of the IRFU in 1997/98.

Mr Powell sat on a variety of IRFU committees and was well known for his rich contribution to the Schools game.

He was the Schools’ representative on the Leinster Branch for over 20 years, from 1980 to 2006.

Educated at The King’s Hospital, Dublin University and London University, he was a noted second row forward with Nenagh Ormond, UL Bohemians, Dublin University and Lansdowne.

He won two Munster Senior Cup medals with Bohemians in 1957 and 1958 and captained Lansdowne to Leinster Senior Cup success in 1965. He was capped for Munster during the Interprovincial Championship of 1962/63.

Following his playing days, Caleb coached the King’s Hospital School, Lansdowne, the Leinster Schools and the Ireland Schools sides.He was a retired deputy head at The King’s Hospital school.

Caleb Powell (Lucan, Dublin, and formerly of Templederry, ) passed away peacefully, at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, Dublin.

Beloved husband and best friend of Gill. Much loved dad of Bob, Lynn and Dave, father-in-law of Áine, Fergal and Jenny and adored grandfather to Amelia, Nathan, Caleb, Isaac, Rebecca, Lauren and Ellis.

Predeceased by his brother Charlie.

Sadly missed by his brothers Baden, George, Arthur and Dick and his sisters-in-law. He will be greatly missed by family, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Reposing at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Lucan on Friday evening, March 10, from 6pm until 8pm. Removal to St. Andrew’s Church, Lucan on Saturday for a Funeral Service at 11.30am followed by a private committal service at Newlands Cross Crematorium.

Caleb’s Funeral Service may be viewed online by following the link: leixliplucanchurchofireland.com

Messages of sympathy and condolences for the family may be left at www.cunninghamsfunerals.com

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. www.sfh.ie