Few people epitomised what it Munster Rugby meant more than Anthony Foley.
He spent his entire playing career at the province, making over 200 appearances and playing a huge role in their journey to conquering European rugby. Foley would go on to coach the province after retirement, before tragically passing away in 2016.
There have been no shortage of fitting tributes to the Limerick native in recent years and we will get a chance to look back at the glory of his playing days later this week.
On Friday evening (August 14th) TG4 will broadcast Axel – Munster’s Heineken Cup Journey, which charts the role Foley played in helping the team become the best side in Europe.
It was originally released in 2008 after his retirement, but will make for all the more poignant viewing after events of recent years.
In a statement, TG4 said:
TG4 is pleased to announce the Television Premiere of ‘Axel – Munster’s Heineken Cup Journey’ on Friday 14th August at 10.15pm.
Originally produced to celebrate Anthony’s retirement in 2008, Axel explores how Anthony helped Munster become a major force in world rugby while staying true to his core values of loyalty, bitterness and pride.
Munster Rugby’s favourite son, Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley was born into the heart of a sporting dynasty. His father Brendan epitomised everything that was hard and honest about that special brand of rugby specific to his native city of Limerick.
Axel’s unparalleled rugby brain was his inheritance. He became an iconic figure for a generation of Munster Rugby supporters and players who saw in him all that they would aspire to in themselves.
His characteristic honesty, heart and single-mindedness saw Axel through an unequalled playing career.
You can watch a clip from the documentary below.
The likes of Ronan O'Gara, Paul O'Connell, Keith Wood, and Declan Kidney will all feature, as well as a number of other massive names linked to Munster and Irish rugby.
It should make for some emotional viewing.
