Munster captain is Limerick Person of the Year

ANTHONY Foley’s frustrating year on the international rugby scene got a lift on home ground yesterday when he was named Limerick Person of the Year.

Anthony, 32, has been capped 62 times for Ireland and has lined out with Munster in 154 games. He is the current Munster captain.

Last month, he and his wife Olive had a major scare when their first child, Tony, aged seven months, was rushed to hospital with a mysterious illness. They spent days at his bedside in the Children’s Ark ward at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital. Thankfully, Tony made a full recovery.

Accepting his award from Tánaiste Mary Harney at the Clarion Hotel in Limerick yesterday, he said: “I’d feel more at home over in Thomond Park than here.”

Anthony, who lives in Killaloe, has played more Heineken European Cup games than any other player.

He started playing rugby at St Munchin’s College and then went on to star for Shannon. His sister Rosie has captained the Irish women’s rugby side and their dad Brendan played 11 times for Ireland and was on the Munster team which defeated the All Blacks at Thomond Park in 1978.

JP McManus was bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award at yesterday’s function.

“I feel guilty getting this award with so many people out there doing great work,” he said.