Anthony Foley: Thomond stands up and fights for Axel

When it seemed referee Jerome Garces had formally concluded the week-long obsequies for Anthony Foley with a shrill final whistle on Saturday, Axel’s comrades took to Thomond’s famed turf for one last farewell to one of the greats of Munster and Irish rugby.

Moments after full time, the Munster team, coaching staff and mentors re-emerged to render a concluding Munster benediction which shook the stadiums iron girders.

Circled in the cente of the pitch, and embracing Anthony’s two sons, Tony and Dan, they belted out Stand Up and Fight in a tumultuous salute to one of their own.