A Hero Gone Too Soon, Tributes Paid To Axel

Tributes from the world of rugby and beyond have been paid to Head Coach and former captain Anthony Foley following his sudden passing at the age of 42 in Paris yesterday.

The son of former Munster and Ireland player Brendan, the day after his fifth birthday a young Anthony witnessed his father achieve the impossible with the men of Munster in defeating the mighty All Blacks in Thomond Park in 1978.
 
It was that same sense of belief, passion and never-say-die attitude that Axel, as he was known to family, friends and fans, carried with him throughout his own rugby career.  And what a trailblazing career it truly was, one that was deeply rooted in the club game.
 
As mentioned by Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald yesterday, “Anthony was the embodiment of Munster Rugby and dedicated his life to the game he loved”, captaining St Munchin’s to a Munster Schools Junior Cup title in 1989 before winning five AIL titles with Shannon, including the famous four in a row from 1995 to 1998.
 
It’s no surprise then that supporters have migrated towards the Shannon clubhouse at Thomond Park, turning the Blue Gate entrance at the west side of the ground into a shrine to the player they had both followed and loved across the amateur and professional eras of rugby.
 

Poignantly on Sunday, as news of Anthony’s passing broke in Paris, those who had travelled in numbers to cheer on Munster against Racing 92 in the opening round of the Champions Cup still made their way to the Stade Yves-du-Manoir where they lay flowers and Munster memorabilia on the pitch, observed a minute silence followed by sustained applause, and sang songs such as ‘The Fields of Athenry’ and the Shannon anthem ‘There is an Isle’ in memory of their fallen hero.

Les supporters du @Munsterrugby saluent la mémoire de Anthony Foley 1/2 pic.twitter.com/42cXt2IAk1

— Racing 92 (@racing92) October 16, 2016

Anthony defined Munster’s values of community, passion, ambition, excellence and integrity each time he wore the jersey of either his club province or country, playing all 48 games in Shannon’s aforementioned four in row, making over 200 appearances for Munster and winning 62 caps in the green of Ireland. 
 
Perhaps what fans will remember most about Axel is the seismic part he played in Munster’s rollercoaster European journey.  There for every single twist and turn of Munster’s path to the Holy Grail, heart breaking defeats in the European finals of 2000 and 2002, and subsequent semi and quarter final exits, only served to reaffirm his belief that he was part of something special and Munster’s day would come.
 
May 20^th 2006, his ambitions were realised and, as someone who had given his all, and some, to the cause, it was fitting that Anthony was the one who lifted the trophy when Munster won their first European Cup in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
 
Testament to the man and all he achieved has been the reaction around the world from those in rugby circles and beyond with supporters, friends and players today signing books of condolence at Thomond Park, Irish Independent Park, the IRFU on Lansdowne Road and at various locations across the province.
 
Below is but a sample of the tributes that have been paid and continue to be paid to our coach, former captain, colleague and friend Axel, gone too soon.

 
PRESIDENT OF IRELAND, MICHAEL D HIGGINS: “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.

“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.”
 
 
MICHAEL KINGSTON, SUPPORTER, LONDON: “Anthony Foley did not just let the poor people win: he turned us all into winners. He transcended the rugby field into all our lives, our homes and our workplace.

“We are forever indebted to Anthony and his family for that inspiration which we still thrive on today.

“May that giant of Munster, Ireland and of Inspiration itself rest in peace.

“We are forever indebted.”
 

Alone on the couch with Jess.Heartbroken.We have lost an incredible man. Too sad to tweet further.. sleep well Axel. We love you..xxx

— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) October 16, 2016

Feeling numb and alone with only thoughts of this remarkable man.My protector on the field,I will miss you forever Axel.
RIP

— Peter Stringer (@stringer9) October 16, 2016

Distraught at the tragic news of Anthony Foley,great friend,teammate & legend.Super form last weekend at Mick Galwey's 50th.Incomprehensible pic.twitter.com/lpnGMvnN2x

— Frankie Sheahan (@FrankieSheahan) October 16, 2016

Axel you will be remembered long in our hearts, a light shines on Foley Hill in Killaloe tonight with Olive & the boys #ripaxel

— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) October 16, 2016

A wknd that began on a happy note sadly ended on a bad one today with the passing of #AnthonyFoley Thoughts with his family at this sad time

— John Muldoon (@JohnMuldoon8) October 16, 2016

Sometimes events put rugby in2 perspective. Tragic news about Anthony Foley. Thoughts & prays go to his family, friends & all @Munsterrugby

— Rory Best (@RoryBest2) October 16, 2016

EDDIE O'SULLIVAN: “For me, somebody who was fortunate enough to coach him, he had an incredible rugby brain. Not just the decision-making on the field, when to run and when to pass, he always understood that. But his understanding of the dynamics of the game, that make the game so tactically important.

“He was a great leader as well. As a coach, when you had someone like Anthony on the field, you were comfortable that this guy was going to manage the situation. That was probably his greatest attribute. It wasn't his athleticism, it was his rugby brain.

“For that reason, it was no surprise when he retired that he pretty much moved immediately into coaching. He ticked all the boxes as a rugby coach. His coaching career has been so short, it's just very, very sad. He's a guy, you'd have thought, would have come through to coach Ireland having played for Ireland over 60 times.

“It's a massive loss to rugby, it's a huge loss to Munster and obviously our hearts go out to his family, his wife and kids. His family are steeped in the rugby tradition of Munster and Ireland. It's a terrible shock for everybody, it was gut-wrenching to hear the news today.”

TONY WARD: “He was one of the all-time great players for Shannon, for Munster and for Ireland, particularly in his beloved red. I think, like everybody in the rugby community and the public at large, we're just stunned today. He's going to be hugely missed at every level, not least by his family,” he told RTÉ One.

“The dignity he showed on the field was reflected even when he was staying on when his (coaching) position was being changed in the last two years, because he loved what he was doing and he just lived to be part of Munster Rugby. And that was Anthony.”

LES KISS: “My thoughts go out to Axel's family, his kids, to the Munster family. It's a sad loss for a lot of people in Irish rugby and Munster rugby. It's tragic really to tell you the truth. It makes you think about what's really important in life, and to lose someone so young, a good man, a great man, it's tragic,” he told Sky Sports.

“He was the heart and soul of the Irish team too for a long time. I had the pleasure to coach with Axel, and he just saw the game in the simplest way. That was to be tough up front and play the game in an uncompromising way, and that was they type of character he was.

“He was a very generous man, he couldn't do enough for people. When you have someone like that in the game in your country, like Ireland have, it's a blessing. This is such a sad loss for everyone.

“The adjectives come pretty quick to the mind, but I think more than anything, Axel stood for something. When he had a thought on something or when he talked about something, you could see the conviction in his voice. That really came through in his voice.

Thoughts and prayers to family/friends of Anthony Foley…. Awful news

— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) October 16, 2016

Still can't believe the tragic news! Thoughts to Anthony Foleys family, friends & @Munsterrugby boys

— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) October 16, 2016

How incredibly sad to hear about the passing of the great Anthony Foley. With enormous respect and deepest sympathy for his family.

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) October 16, 2016

Such sad news to hear the passing of Anthony Foley. Fierce and uncompromising but after would always find you for a beer. Proper rugby bloke

— Martin (@Martin_Corry) October 16, 2016

SENE NAOUPU: “Thoughts and prayers to the Foley family and friends. Rest in peace Anthony.”

NIAMH BRIGGS: “The saddest day for Munster Rugby. A true gent who epitomised everything good about this province. He was the heart and soul. RIP Axel.”

PHILIP DOYLE: “So hard to put into words about today's news. But, Rosie Foley, we are thinking of you at this sad time. RIP Axel.”

WORLD RUGBY CEO BRETT GOSPER: “Shocked by the tragic news of Anthony Foley. All at World Rugby send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and everyone in Munster Rugby.”

PIRI WEEPU: “Very sad news about Anthony Foley. Sending our thoughts and love out to his family, friends and Munster Rugby.”

GEORGE NORTH: “So sad to hear the news about Anthony Foley. Thoughts are with his family.”

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: “Shocked and so sad to hear about the death of Anthony Foley. A true legend and a man who had the total respect of team-mates and opposition.”

THIERRY DUSAUTOIR: “Very sad to learn of the death of Anthony Foley. A great player and opponent. My thoughts are with his family.”

LEWIS MOODY: “So sad to hear of the death of Anthony Foley. He was as tough as they came on the pitch and a great man off it. Thoughts are with his family and Munster Rugby.”

MICHAEL LYNAGH: “Just received the news of Anthony Foley's passing. I am shocked and saddened. He was a great rugby man, but most importantly a great person.”

NATHAN HINES: “Sad to hear the news of the passing of Anthony Foley. A great bloke and rugby player who has left a big hole to fill in Irish Rugby.”

CRAIG CHALMERS: “Can't believe the shocking news about Anthony Foley. One of our game's truly great guys and always a Munster and Irish rugby legend. RIP.”

JASON ROBINSON: “Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Anthony Foley. The rugby world has lost yet another great man.”

ADAM JONES: “Unbelievably sad news about Anthony Foley. Tough man to play against, was the heartbeat of the great Munster team of my era.”

DIMITRI YACHVILI: “Legends never die. RIP Anthony Foley.”

ANDY NICOL: “The passing of Anthony Foley has floored me. Attended his testimonial dinner a few years ago, played golf with him the next day. Top man! RIP Axel.”

MARTYN WILLIAMS: “Absolutely tragic news about Anthony Foley. Thoughts are with his family and all at Munster Rugby.”

ANDY GOODE: “So sad to hear about the news of Anthony Foley passing away. A true legend of our special game.”

JOHN SMIT: “Condolences to his family and friends, may he rest in peace. Terribly sad to lose people too soon.”

WILL GREENWOOD: “Stunned and deeply upset by the devastating news that such a wonderful man, Anthony Foley, has died so young.”

MIRCO BERGAMASCO: “RIP Anthony Foley. Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers to his family.”

GONZALO QUESADA: “Terrible and horrible news. Rest in peace Anthony Foley.”

JAMIE CUDMORE: “Always sad when a legend passes away. Rest in peace Anthony and condolences to his family and friends.”