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.
13. 28 January 2001; Anthony Foley, Munster, in action against Marc Lievremont, Biarritz. Munster v Biarritz, Heineken European Cup, Thomond Park, Limerick. Rugby. Picture credit; Ray Lohan/SPORTSFILE
Ray Lohan / SPORTSFILE
14. 14 September 2016; Munster head coach Anthony Foley during squad training at the University of Limerick in Limerick. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
SPORTSFILE
15. 18 January 2003; Munster's Anthony Foley leads the team out onto the pitch before the game to earn his 50th cap for Munster. Munster v Gloucester, Heineken European Cup, Thomond Park, Limerick. Rugby. Picture credit; Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE
SPORTSFILE