Three-day testimonial to honour Anthony Foley

Friends of Munster's 2006 European cup winning captain Anthony Foley are getting set to give him a big send off.

The Killaloe man will hang up his boots at the end of this season after a distinguished playing career and a fitting tribute is being planned.

Greats of provincial, national and international rugby will join with grass roots supporters to celebrate his achievements in a three-day testimonial event at the end of the May.

Proceeds from the event, at Foley's request, will also go to the Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre and the IRFU Charitable Trust.

The organising committee of the Anthony Foley Testimonial, led by chairperson Dr Roger G.H. Downer, President Emeritus of University of Limerick, announced three days of events - May 27-29, culminating with a Gala Banquet at the Hilton Hotel, Limerick on the final night at which the great and good of the game will join with stars of other sports and screen in toasting Anthony's wonderful career.

Grass roots supporters will get the opportunity to enjoy a real fun and nostalgic evening with Anthony, playing colleagues, media commentators and coaches in a 'This is Your Life' type event in the UL arena on Wednesday, May 28, while golf enthusiasts will also get to rub shoulders with some of the greats of rugby at the two day classic at the stunning Par 72 parkland course at Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club on Tuesday/Wednesday May 27-28.

The testimonial will coincide in May with Anthony's retirement from the game. After announcing the event at a Press Launch in the City View Suite, of Limerick's Hilton Hotel this evening, Dr Downer revealed the idea for this event was born following Munster's clash with Llanelli Scarlets in the Heineken Cup in what were the most horrific of conditions last year in Wales.

Downer explained: "Anthony, at the ripe age of 34, reminded us again in that game of how much a leader he is. The conditions meant nothing to him as he really led by example with another heroic performance as Munster ground out an invaluable Heineken Cup win in that typical gutsy way.

"A few friends chatting after that match in Wales felt that there is no way the curtain could fall on Anthony's incredible career without marking it with some kind of tribute. I was honoured to be approached for involvement and here we are today announcing what will be a truly memorable event, perhaps one of the best off-field rugby events we will ever have here in Limerick."