PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has been leading tributes following the untimely death of Munster coach Anthony Foley. Figures from the sporting world and wider Irish life have also been sharing their memories of the Ireland great.
The Munster head coach’s death was confirmed in a statement by the IRFU as the Irish side prepared to face Racing 92 in Paris today.
Foley made his debut for Ireland in 1995 and captained the side three times. In a long playing career at Munster, he led the side to its Heineken Cup win over Biarritz in 2006.
President’s statement
“It is with great sadness that I heard of the sudden death of Anthony Foley, the Munster rugby team’s head coach and one of the great figures of Irish sport in the modern era,” President Higgins said.
Anthony Foley excelled from a young age and made a huge contribution to the successes of Munster and Ireland, in both his playing and coaching careers.
Recognised as a great leader both on and off the pitch, he captained the Heineken Cup winning Munster team and represented his country at all levels, including playing 62 times for the senior team, and as captain on three occasions.
He was regarded with great respect and deep affection not just among the Munster rugby fans but by all those interested in Irish sports and those with whom they interacted abroad.
While news of his death will be received with shock by all those in the rugby and sports world, it is of course first and foremost a great tragedy for his family and close friends.
As President of Ireland, and as Patron of the IRFU, I offer them and Munster rugby my deepest sympathies.
Served Ireland brilliantly
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny joined the country in their disbelief upon hearing the news:
Like everyone else in the country, I am absolutely shocked on hearing of the untimely passing of Munster Head Coach, Anthony Foley.
Anthony was a legendary figure in Munster and Irish rugby. It is tragic to lose such a fantastic man at such a young age.
My thoughts are with his family and his club mates at this awful time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
A statement from Sports Minister Shane Ross said Foley had served Munster and Ireland “brilliantly” during his career.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony’s partner, children, family, and friends at this very difficult time,” Ross said.
Junior sports minister Patrick O’Donovan, a Limerick TD, said the rugby star would be “very fondly remembered for the joy and pleasure that he brought to the people of Limerick, Munster and Ireland”.
He will be remembered for his heroics and bravery on the field and his legacy will live long with his extraordinary achievements in caps and tries, both at home and in Europe.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.”
Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin said the news had “sent shockwaves through the Munster Rugby family”.
The Cork TD added:
He was the epitome of all that is good about rugby and sport.
‘Distraught’
Former England hooker Brian Moore, Foley’s former teammate Frankie Sheahan, retired Celtic star John Hartson and athlete Sonia O’Sullivan are amongst the well-known sports figures who have been paying tribute to Foley on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Labour TD for Limerick Jan O’Sullivan described the former player as “iconic”, while broadcaster Rachel English said he embodied “all that’s good about sport”.
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