Foley shows his parish pride

THE Magners League victory over Ulster wasn’t the only reason for celebration in the Munster dressing-room at Thomond Park on Saturday night.

Earlier, the province’s most capped player, Anthony Foley, was a member of the Smith O’Brien’s team which captured the Clare JBFC title with victory over St Breckan’s in Ennis.

Foley, a star hurler in his underage days, lined out at full forward and set up a number of scores in the 3-7 to 0-6 victory according to club chairman Naoise Lawlor.

Lawlor explained: “He has been playing full forward for us all year. He set up a couple of scores and made a big contribution before he was taken off with a few minutes remaining.”

Foley, now an assistant coach with the province, was the heartbeat of the Munster rugby team during his many years of on field service. Is he as vocal and assertive on the GAA field?

“No,” continued Lawlor, “he is just one of the lads. He leaves all the talking to the captain and the management team. He is just another player who goes out and does his best for the club every time he takes the field. He has been very, very loyal to the club since he retired from rugby. He is very proud of his heritage and his parish.

“It is a great boost to the team and the club to have fellas like this involved.”

And Lawlor was quick to heap praise on Foley’s employers for their attitude.

“I heard that when he got into Thomond Park he got a round of applause from the squad. He would have had to inform them that he would be running late for their management meeting before the game with Ulster.

“Obviously word was out and so they must have got the result before he got down. But great credit is due to Munster, they have always helped Anthony in situations like this.

“They know and understand the importance of the club. They believe in that kind of thing.”