Another tough day for Shannon

UCC 17 Shannon 9: Lee Nicholas is from a different generation to Anthony Foley and he didn’t know the rugby legend personally, but the pair are inextricably linked.

Growing up, the 22-year-old Nicholas was conscious the number eight jersey he filled for St Munchin’s College, for Shannon and Munster A had been handed down by Foley and he considers it an honour to be following in the icon’s footsteps. I didn’t actually know him, but it’s impossible, particularly in a club like Shannon, not to understand how much he contributed to the game over the years and we all know about what he achieved with Munster and Ireland.

“He was an inspiration for many to be sure. For everyone associated with the club it has been a really bad period, particularly the week leading up to and including his funeral. It’s hard to digest really.”