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.
5. 27 September 1997; Anthony Foley, Munster, in action against Phil Booth, Cardiff. European Rugby Cup, Munster v Cardiff, Thomond Park, Limerick. Picture credit: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
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6. 6 March 2012; Ireland players, from left, Rory Best, Donncha O'Callaghan and stand-in forwards coach Anthony Foley before squad training ahead of their side's RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship game against Scotland on Saturday. Ireland Rugby Squad Training, Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
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7. 8 January 2011; Munster squad advisor Mick Galwey, left, and assistant coach Anthony Foley. Celtic League, Munster v Glasgow Warriors, Musgrave Park, Cork. Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
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8. 5 November 2007; Leinster captain Brian O'Driscoll, left, and Munster vice-captain Anthony Foley with the Heineken Cup at the launch of the 2007/08 Heineken Cup. Huguenot House, Stephen's Green, Dublin. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
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