ANTHONY ‘Axel’ Foley was a special player that embodied everything good that was Munster. He excelled as a player, transitioned to a coach and then to legendary status. His loss is still felt deeply 10 years on.
Foley was a standout player in the Munster Schools Senior Cup with St Munchin’s before making the grade with a Shannon team that dominated the All-Ireland League.
In a glittering playing career, he also represented his country 62 times between 1995 and 2005, captaining Ireland on three occasions.
‘Axel’ captained Munster to Heineken Cup glory in 2006 and made his last appearance for the province the following season.
His death, 10 years ago at the age of 42, shook the rugby world and the country beyond belief.
We look back at some pictures from his glittering career.
1. 31 January 1998; Anthony Foley in action for Shannon. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
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2. 16 January 1999; Anthony Foley, Shannon, holds off the challenge of Colin McEntee, Lansdowne. AIB League Rugby, Shannon v Lansdowne, Clanwilliam RFC, Tipperary. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
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3. 19 March 2000; Ireland players, from left, Keith Wood, Mike Mullins, Simon Easterby, Paddy Johns, John Hayes, Demis Hickie, Frank Sheahan and Anthony Foley celebrate after victory over France. Six Nations Rugby International, France v Ireland, Stade de France, Paris, France. Picture credit: Ray Lohan / SPORTSFILE
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4. 5 February 2000; Anthony Foley, Ireland, wins possession in a lineout. Six Nations Rugby International, England v Ireland, Twickenham, London, England. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
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