Foley’s field has never seen an occasion as emotional as Saturday afternoon’s meeting between Munster and Glasgow.
For Shannon and Munster, Anthony Foley called Thomond Park home and the first game contested on that pitch since the unexpected passing of the Munster legend took place at lunchtime today.
The Champions Cup clash was always going to be charged with passion, given that it was being treated as a tribute to Munster’s former captain and head coach who passed away suddenly in a Parisian hotel last week.
And you’re not likely to see more touching moments on a rugby pitch than those that followed the final whistle of Munster’s 38-17 victory.
After a stunning rendition of ‘Stand Up and Fight’ in midfield, Peter O’Mahony was asked to give his thoughts on the game and he dedicated the brave showing to Axel.
“We showed up and they showed up for a massive occasion,” O’Mahony told Sky Sports.
“We came out here to play like Axel would have wanted us to play and we played for Olive and the kids and all their family.
Peter O'Mahony hopes that Munster made Anthony Foley proud today. There is no doubt that they certainly did that. pic.twitter.com/qz64RfWLLy
— Darragh Murphy (@DarrMurphy) October 22, 2016
“And God we hope we did him proud today.”
Munster lasted over an hour with just fourteen men after Keith Earls received his marching orders for what was deemed a dangerous tackle on Glasgow hooker Fraser Brown after 18 minutes.
Emotion hung steadfastly to the Limerick air as Munster refused to allow their early personnel handicap to affect the scoreline.
Tries from Tyler Bleyendaal and Rory Scannell bookended a performance that epitomised the man to whom the 80 minutes were dedicated.
Heart, dedication, workrate, getting the head down and driving forward.
Anthony Foley would have enjoyed that match and somewhere, the only regret he might have had is that he wasn’t on the touchline roaring his men on.
In the latest GAA Hour, we talk to Ken McGrath of Waterford and with Declan Brennan about a new club players’ association.
