He captained Ireland on 18 occasions, made 61 Test appearances between 1970 and 1984, and was regarded as one of the best flankers of his generation.

Education Minister Norma Foley has announced that a Commission of Investigation will examine historical abuse allegations.

The Government-appointed scoping inquiry said it had contacted 73 religious orders that ran or are still running schools in Ireland.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the government would be taking a victim-led approach.

The Spiritan congregation, formerly the Holy Ghost Fathers, gave a public apology to victims last year.