Irish rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll has revealed how the death of a friend inspired him to support a new charity fundraiser.

The sportsman was devastated last year when close friend and former flatmate Barry Twomey died in tragic circumstances. Twomey (29) was found dead in Enniskerry Woods, Co Wicklow on 27 May after being reported missing by his family the previous day.

Now memories of the Dubliner have been rekindled with his image featured on the CD single of a charity version of Molly Malone performed by the Harrington Brothers and featuring the Official Leinster Rugby Supporters Club.

The CD is to aid five charities, including Save Our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD) which gives professional help to those affected by suicide, and is also "dedicated to Barry Twomey".

According to O'Driscoll: "Barry was always the life and soul of the party and it seems very apt that he should get a picture on the inside cover of the disc like that. He would be pleased to be the face of awareness, that he can create something good from what happened to him."

O'Driscoll said he was still coming to terms with the loss of his friend.

"I suppose it's been raw for the last while. It [suicide] is certainly an issue in Ireland that needs as much publicity as possible."