Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

'A loving, caring family man': Anthony Foley laid to rest in Clare

Olive Foley paid an emotional tribute to her “soulmate” with whom she had spent “17 wonderful years” of marriage.

foley Brian Lawless PA Wire / PA Images Brian Lawless PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

Updated 1.55pm

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE have attended the funeral of Munster rugby’s head coach Anthony Foley in Killaloe, Co Clare.

Foley died suddenly in his hotel room in Paris last Sunday as a result of a heart condition.

Parish priest Fr Pat Malone told the congregation Foley’s wife Olive and sons Tony and Daniel meant everything to him.

“It is fitting that we celebrate with dignity the life and achievements of a man who lived life with great dignity and personal and professional integrity. There have been many beautiful and moving tributes paid to Anthony from so many people over the past week and I am certain that many more will come in the time ahead.

“My first, and I believe my longest lasting memory of Anthony, is and will be as a family man. His family meant all to him.

“Olive, you were his true love, and how good you were together. One could sense the strength of your relationship, the warmth of your love for each other, and the ways you supported each other through the easy as well as the difficult moments of life. You complimented each other so well, ying and yang in perfect balance with each other.

“As parents together, ye were second to none. My memories of Anthony as loving, caring, and interested dad, revolve around the magical family moments in the garden. Anthony pucking a sliotar with his kids, kicking a football, swinging a golf club and erecting a trampoline…

“These happy, cherished moments will hopefully in time offer many moments of pleasure to Tony and Dan.

“Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley made many a mark in his 42 years of life. Just look around and see the indelible, affirming marks he left on his family, friends, colleagues, sports fans, this to local community, rugby wherever it is spoken of – to name but a few.

RONAN Munster's CJ Stander (left) alongside former Munster players Ronan O'Gara and Mick Galwey Brian Lawless PA Wire / PA Images Brian Lawless PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

“Olive may the benchmark of his live be the ray of light that dispels the incomprehensible darkness you speak of in the family statement, a darkness that we must work work our way through over the coming days, weeks and years.”

The funeral mass was held at St Flannan’s Church, with burial afterwards in Relig Lua.

Olive’s tribute

Olive Foley paid an emotional tribute to her “soulmate” with whom she had spent “17 wonderful years” of marriage.

She drew laughter from the packed church many times, describing life with Anthony and their children. Foley, who wasn’t known as a talker, would “ring and ring and ring” Olive everyday, and when she would answer “he’d say nothing, sure”.

“I never rang him back because I knew he’d be ringing me again,” she quipped.

In one of several poignant moments during her emotional tribute, Olive described her last conversation with Anthony, just hours before he died.

“We chatted about the lads and how they were getting on in the athletics, and how Tony was faring in the javelin.

“It was a lovely conversation… I didn’t know it would be our last.”

It was an idyllic life. Our home was so happy and it was a haven for all the most important things in life. Anthony’s values were so perfect. The show will go on and I’m going to stick to our plan because Anthony is going to be with us in spirit every step of the way. He was my soulmate and we were perfect together…he will never leave my heart.

Olive said the last two years of her husband’s life were “very stressful”.

“He took that job as [Munster] head coach and he gave it everything, and he used the same passion he used whenever he pulled on a jersey. They were very rough days those last two years. He’s smiling down now, knowing he gave it everything.”

She thanked their friends and family, and those who organised the funeral which “enabled us to focus on what was important, and spend time with Anthony”.

“I’m handing Anthony over to god now…We’ll take it one day at a time,” she said, breaking down in tears to a loud applause.

Axel’s former Munster teammates Peter Clohessey, Mick Galwey, Keith Wood and John ‘Bull’ Hayes helped carry their former captain out of the church to his final resting place.

At noon, several radio stations played The Fields of Athenry as a mark of respect for Foley.

Thousands of people  lined the streets of Killaloe yesterday as they waited in line to view Foley’s coffin.

- with reporting by Cormac Fitzgerald and Órla Ryan

Read: ‘The final, precious night’: Mourners urged to arrive early as thousands expected for Anthony Foley’s funeral

Read: Ulster to honour Foley like Munster paid tribute to Nevin Spence

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 27 comments
Close
27 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon Mac Gowan
    Favourite Eamon Mac Gowan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    People like him are the worst kind of exhibitionist freaks.
    Cringe inducing.

    719
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Hurley
    Favourite Patrick Hurley
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:46 AM

    More preparation went in to making it about him than her.

    339
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Favourite MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:03 PM

    Awww

    17
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Favourite MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:07 PM

    Aww

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cosmo Kramer
    Favourite Cosmo Kramer
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:14 PM

    And Today FM just happened to have a reporter on the ready for the big question.. Did he get in touch with Today FM before hand and let them know what he was planning? Absolute Clown!

    278
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Teddington
    Favourite Teddington
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:23 PM

    Sure leave them off, it’s not my cup of milk but that’s what makes life so interesting is the differences!

    118
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shawn Rahoon
    Favourite Shawn Rahoon
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:26 PM

    I believe they ran towards each other in slow motion. So romantic!

    109
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Allister
    Favourite Allister
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:40 PM

    Hope he kept the receipt for the fake tan….!

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Brendan Mullen
    Favourite John Brendan Mullen
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:48 PM

    I’d

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phil O' Meara
    Favourite Phil O' Meara
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:43 AM

    I wonder if he declared the diamond ring when arriving or strode through the green channel?

    312
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:44 AM

    Will it be on that God awful programme on Sky One?

    106
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keelan O'neill
    Favourite Keelan O'neill
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:30 PM

    Those shows are great.

    “You do realise this is a live turtle”

    “No not turtle. Herbal medicine, herbal medicine”

    128
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:43 PM

    Ah sure I’m guilty of watching them myself ha ha.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Madden
    Favourite Robert Madden
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 9:24 PM

    Your man on that sky programme… “Don’t call me “Man” buddy..” Ridiculous.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Supernova
    Favourite Supernova
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    More shite.. Look at me! Look look were getting married.. Aren’t I special. Give me attention now

    235
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:45 PM

    I’ve got to agree with you Nova, it’s screaming for attention, turning an already busy place even more busy with crowds of gawkers in force. In saying that goodluck to the two of them, just seems very contrived.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:41 AM

    Cringe

    162
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TrudyFeltz
    Favourite TrudyFeltz
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    Well his tan looks great anyway

    150
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:11 PM

    just makes him more full of it, I’m good at this sort of thing. trust me ; )

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Green Monkey
    Favourite The Green Monkey
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Cringeworthy…….

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:01 PM

    Ehy?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Graham
    Favourite Conor Graham
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:51 AM

    Puke.

    95
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CABK
    Favourite CABK
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:54 AM

    Absolute state of them both.

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Green Monkey
    Favourite The Green Monkey
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Cringeworthy……

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute cp
    Favourite cp
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:59 AM

    So good you say it twice

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:01 PM

    Ha?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al-Right
    Favourite Al-Right
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Sorry Martin, Louse has been seeing Mark while you were away… oopss!

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CABK
    Favourite CABK
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:05 PM

    She lives over there with him which just makes it more cringe! Waiting for an audience at arrivals!!! Public proposals are the worst!

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CABK
    Favourite CABK
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:06 PM

    She lives over there with him which just makes it more cringe! Waiting for an audience at arrivals!!! Public proposals are the worst!

    40
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al-Right
    Favourite Al-Right
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:21 PM

    Wot? Where does it say that?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:12 PM

    probably with loads of women over he months prior to the flight. ya’d feel sorry for her but nah not really.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donna Moss
    Favourite Donna Moss
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:46 AM

    Good luck to them.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chief
    Favourite Chief
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:55 AM

    You are not allowed say nice stuff here Donna. The two people that just got engaged and spread a little happiness around are just too happy for peoples liking. This does not go down well with the miserable ba#$rds commenting above. So be warned. No more of that nice comment shite!

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:42 PM

    What if she said no ?? Big embarrassed head on him then

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Wallace
    Favourite Paul Wallace
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:43 PM

    What a Mangina

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:46 PM

    Brennan has a margina, Brennan has a margina.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy Gibson
    Favourite Andy Gibson
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:41 PM

    The Today FM reporter is called Juliette GASH?! Oh my days!!!

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Live Long
    Favourite Live Long
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:09 PM

    Tantastic!

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seanie
    Favourite seanie
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:52 AM

    Haha miserable ba*t*rds here in comments.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Malachi Shanks
    Favourite Malachi Shanks
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 2:08 PM

    You’d be raging if you were behind yer man in the queue and we’re going to do the same thing !

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seanie
    Favourite seanie
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:51 AM

    Haha miserable bass%ards on the comments .

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chief
    Favourite Chief
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Great minds think alike

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SandyfordAl
    Favourite SandyfordAl
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 2:51 PM

    Oh please, it’s all about me, everyone look at me. Attention seekers are so annoying

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:34 PM

    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then
    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michelle Wallace
    Favourite Michelle Wallace
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:25 PM

    Good god, you’re a right lot of begrudgers. Can’t we all just get along? You don’t even have to be happy for them, but do you have to be so mean? It’s Christmas, let’s spread a bit of Christmas cheer…. No?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:57 PM

    Bah humbug.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seanie
    Favourite seanie
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:53 AM

    Haha miserable Scrooges here in the comments.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Graham
    Favourite Conor Graham
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    You can say that again!

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute cp
    Favourite cp
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:00 PM

    And again

    37
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:00 PM

    Could you repeat that please?

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:32 PM

    What if she said no ?? Some head on him then

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey Gee
    Favourite Joey Gee
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:26 PM

    This is the way the poor gaisun wanted to do it, must mean something to him (them).

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Craig Barry
    Favourite Craig Barry
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 6:31 PM

    W$nker

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:13 PM

    totally

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maurice Slater
    Favourite Maurice Slater
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 5:29 PM

    not my cup of tea kinda shows insecurity are just a show of,to me its a private matter between two people and not for public consumption for me first spoil your lady all day tell her about all the things why you fell in love with her, then take yourself and your intended to a place you both have never been before.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:43 PM

    Juliette Gash?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TheGateFlorist
    Favourite TheGateFlorist
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    He has made her happy that’s all that counts. But could have had a big bunch of flowers in hand.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl Monaghan
    Favourite Karl Monaghan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 5:14 PM

    or even a ring!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan
    Favourite Alan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 6:24 PM

    Must have a serious guilty conscience coming back from the holiday.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:13 PM

    i bet he does i bet he does. a proper player.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Reese
    Favourite John Reese
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 4:35 PM

    Shaking head….the plonker has just given TV3 a new idea for an airport proposal show.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    Luvly

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TheGateFlorist
    Favourite TheGateFlorist
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:37 PM

    He has made her happy, and that’s all we should care about.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:49 PM

    Well we don’t know that for sure.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kirsha Sova
    Favourite Kirsha Sova
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:56 PM

    Jayess everyone wants to put their life on show with the world watching ,get a life somethings should be private .

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean MacGabhann
    Favourite Sean MacGabhann
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 3:45 PM

    ‘Til never last.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kirsha Sova
    Favourite Kirsha Sova
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:57 PM

    I give it a year .

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl Monaghan
    Favourite Karl Monaghan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 5:10 PM
    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl Monaghan
    Favourite Karl Monaghan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 5:11 PM

    why is his head half shaved??

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:14 PM

    cos he’s a w@anker

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute niall fitzgerald
    Favourite niall fitzgerald
    Report
    Dec 19th 2015, 8:05 AM

    Juliette’s Gash, what.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds