HUNDREDS OF FANS, young and old, trickled into the IRFU’s offices on Lansdowne Road all day to pay their respects to the late, great Anthony Foley.
The outpouring of grief has been universal as the province and wider Irish rugby fraternity mourns one of its most cherished sons.
“It means a huge amount to me to be able to pay my respects to Anthony Foley who has been described multiple times this weekend as a legend of Munster Rugby and literally embodies what Munster Rugby is,” Kevin Norris, chairman of Munster Rugby Supporters Club Dublin branch, said.
“He’s been a tremendous loss to the club, a tremendous loss to the country and to the province. He’s a good man gone way too early.”
The plaudits have rolled in for Foley from around country, but the international reaction has been similarly strong, with players and coaches from New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, Australia and the rest of the rugby-playing world joining in by sharing their condolences with Foley’s family.
“It’s a very sad day for everybody in Irish rugby and for the family. It’s just appalling,” Joe Ledden, from Limerick, said.
“Pure and utter shock. It felt like we lost a member of the family. Limerick is so close knit, Munster rugby is so close knit and indeed Irish rugby is so close knit with the guys moving between provinces. It’s just a terrible shock to the family of Irish rugby.
“Axel’s contribution from Shannon where he had five All-Ireland medals I think, four in a row. A superb club player, followed on from his dad’s great contribution to the club.
“Axel just went on from strength to strength, over 200 appearances for Munster. What more can you say? A legend.
“A wonderful person, very quiet guy, never taking the limelight and did all on the pitch for his club, for his country and for his family.”
Conor McCarthy added: “He was a fabulous servant for Munster Rugby and Irish rugby. It’s terribly sad. I think the whole country is in shock.
“He totally epitomises Munster Rugby. He was a one-club man, great heart and great spirit.”
Meanwhile, Sky Sports are showing reruns of the 2006 Heineken Cup final tonight and tomorrow at 8pm.
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