Picture: Alan Place
AS THOUSANDS of people, from home and abroad, are expected to sign books of condolence for the late Munster and Ireland legend, Anthony Foley, the family of the rugby legend have said that they have been “plunged deep into an incomprehensible darkness”, following Anthony’s death
The 42-year-old died in Paris, as he was preparing for Munster’s first game in this season’s European Champions Cup.
The family’s statement reads:
The family of Anthony Foley wishes to extend its deepest appreciation to the endless legions of friends and the wider rugby family here and abroad for the huge outpouring of support and sympathy since Anthony’s tragic and most untimely passing at the weekend.
With Anthony’s passing, we have ultimately lost an amazing, adoring and loving father and husband; an equally caring, loyal and devoted son and brother; a central and go-to figure for the wider Foley and Hogan families. Our anguish at the sudden loss of Anthony is bottomless. We have been plunged deep into an incomprehensible darkness and sense of loss that we must work our way through over the coming days, weeks, months and years.
We know, too, that his sudden death has brought the rugby worlds of Shannon RFC, Munster, Ireland and much further afield crashing down. You have lost a former player, coach, friend and all-round inspiration – your and our hero both. We mourn his loss together.
We again wish to thank everyone for their support; it will help carry us through these darkest days.
With regard to media, we thank you also for the sensitive way in which you have paid tribute to Anthony since the weekend but we do
ask that our privacy and that of his close friends be respected over this tragic period.
Local authorities across Munster have come together following tragic and sudden death of the Munster head coach.
Fans who arrived at City Hall remembered their hero.
As a mark of respect the seven local authorities in Munster have opened books of condolence at City and County halls as well as online.
The move will allow all Munster Rugby supporters from the province to express their sympathies on the sudden passing of one of Munster’s most faithful and best players.
The Irish flag will also be flown at half mast outside the local authority offices and City Hall in Limerick will be illuminated red each night and for the remainder of the week.
Anthony Foley is survived by his wife Olive and his two sons and extended family and friends.
