As a tough day for Ireland drew to a close, many huddled around their televisions to watch RTÉ’s documentary Anthony Foley: Munsterman, a wonderful tribute to the rugby legend who passed away this time last year.
Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley, a rugby player for Munster and for Ireland, died at the young age of 42 on October 16, 2016.
Tonight, Ireland remembered the man in a documentary that captured that breathtaking highs and crushing lows that come with a life in sport — as well as insight from his family that was robbed of a father and husband all too soon. Men who played alongside Foley, or worked beneath him during his time as a coach, spoke of the impact that his life and its loss made on their lives.
The reaction on Twitter was overwhelmingly positive.
Hats off to @rosswhitakertv and @wildfirefilm for a stunning piece of television. An incredible way to remember an amazing man. #Axel
— Dave Moore (@DaveTodayFM) October 16, 2017
If you haven’t experienced, or have ever doubted why people play sport, tune in to #Axel on @rte.
Every emotion under the sun.— Cathal Sheridan (@catsheridan1) October 16, 2017
Fuck you wouldn't be the better after watching that programme on the great Anthony Foley. Powerful powerful stuff #Axel
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) October 16, 2017
Not a dry eye in our house. Raw,honest,heartbreaking. Superb tribute to a gentleman #Axel #legend
— Liam O'Grady (@liam1970) October 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/LiamAJPhelan/status/920044902733549568
https://twitter.com/Mike_Quirke/status/920044735527636992
God, that was a tough, poignant but beautiful watch. So well captured, a fitting tribute to a lost legend. #Axel #Munsterman #NotForgotten
— Niall McGarry (@MrNiallMcGarry) October 16, 2017
Cruelly, Hurricane Ophelia has left many in Munster without power tonight, and unable to watch the documentary celebrating the man who turned out 202 times for Munster. For what it’s worth, the doc will soon be on RTÉ Player — and hopefully power will be restored in homes across Munster soon.
