President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny led the tributes to Munster Rugby head coach Anthony Foley whose sudden death has shocked the nation.
In his statement, President Higgins said: “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,” President Higgins concluded.
Meanwhile Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that like everyone else in the country, he was absolutely shocked on hearing of the untimely passing of Munster Head Coach, Anthony Foley.
“Anthony was a legendary figure in Munster and Irish rugby. It is tragic to lose such a fantastic man at such a young age. My thoughts are with his family and his club mates at this awful time,” Mr Kenny’s statement concluded.
