Anthony Foley’s family have released a statement thanking the rugby community for its support since the news broke of his untimely death.
The Munster head coach died in Paris where his team prepared for their opening Champions Cup game, against French side Racing 92 and fans gathered to mourn his loss both in France and at home in Ireland.
The family said the outpouring of support ‘will help carry us through these darkest days’.
Their statement read: “The family of Anthony Foley wishes to extend its deepest appreciation to the endless legions of friends and the wider rugby family here and abroad for the huge outpouring of support and sympathy since Anthony’s tragic and most untimely passing at the weekend.”
“With Anthony’s passing, we have ultimately lost an amazing, adoring and loving father and husband; an equally caring, loyal and devoted son and brother; a central and go-to figure for the wider Foley and Hogan families.
“Our anguish at the sudden loss of Anthony is bottomless. We have been plunged deep into an incomprehensible darkness and sense of loss that we must work our way through over the coming days, weeks, months and years.”
In the midst of their own grief, the family acknowledged the shock the news brought to the wider rugby family.
“We know, too, that his sudden death has brought the rugby worlds of Shannon RFC, Munster, Ireland and much further afield crashing down.
“You have lost a former player, coach, friend and all-round inspiration – your and our hero both. We mourn his loss together.”
“We again wish to thank everyone for their support; it will help carry us through these darkest days.
“With regard to media, we thank you also for the sensitive way in which you have paid tribute to Anthony since the weekend but we do ask that our privacy and that of his close friends be respected over this tragic period.”
Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised.
People in his home town of Killaloe told Newstalk locals would rally round in support for the Foley family.
“The death of any young person is sad but when it’s a pillar looked up to by so many kids and adults, everyone, it’s just very sad,” one man said.
Another added: “It’s a terrible day for the town and the family. The family are very well-known, very friendly people. They have neighbours whenever they need them and they need tham now.”
