The twin-towns of Ballina Killaloe have been left deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of rugby great and local man Anthony “Axel” Foley over the weekend.
The 42 year old Munster rugby head coach was found dead at the team hotel in Paris yesterday morning.
What should have been a exciting time for rugby fans who flocked to France to watch their beloved Munster complete in their opening match of the European Champions Cup quickly turned to tragedy as feared whispers that Anthony Foley had suddenly died – became reality.
42 year old Killaloe man Anthony Foley was found dead at the Munster team hotel in Paris yesterday where the team were due to play their first game of the European Champions Cup.
Books of condolence are open at both civic centres in Nenagh, and Clonmel as well as at the Municipal District Offices in Tipperary Town, Thurles and Carrick on Suir to allow people to express their thoughts at the sudden and tragic death of a sporting legend.
The tricolour has been lowered to half mast outside council offices across the province.
These people in Killaloe say the town will rally round the Foley family.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and President Michael D. Higgins led the tributes to the sporting great.
Also among those paying tribute to Axel is former teammate Tipperary's Alan Quinlan who described him as a true friend and mentor to so many
Former Irish rugby captain and fellow Kilaloe man Keith Wood is devastated for Anthony Foley's family.
Anthony Foley's been remembered as a 'quiet leader' on the rugby pitch.
Former Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan says if things were going tough in a game, players would look to Anthony to guide a team back on track.
O'Sullivan says that he was hugely valuable to a coaching set up.
