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.
9. 20 May 2006; Munster coach Declan Kidney and captain Anthony Foley arrive at Shannon Airport with the Heineken Cup after the Heineken Cup Final in Cardiff. Picture credit; Kieran Clancy / SPORTSFILE
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10. 20 May 2006; Munster captain Anthony Foley lifts the Heineken Cup after the game. Heineken Cup Final, Munster v Biarritz Olympique, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. Picture credit; Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
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11. 14 February 2004; Ireland captain Paul O'Connell, right, and team-mate Anthony Foley sing " Ireland's Call " before the game against France. RBS 6 Nations Championship 2003-2004, France v Ireland, Stade de France, St. Denis, Paris, France. Picture credit; Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE *EDI*
Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
12. 20 January 2001; Anthony Foley, Munster, is congratulated by team-mate Alan Quinlan after scoring his sides first try against Castres. Munster v Castres, Heineken European Cup, Musgrave Park, Cork. Rugby. Picture credit; Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE *EDI*
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