Anthony Foley was laid to rest in Killaloe yesterday, having passed away at the age of just 42.
His wife, Olive, delivered an utterly remarkable eulogy at his funeral. It was heartfelt, moving and at times, very funny. Olive began by thanking all those for turning out in memory to Axel, although:
He would have absolutely hated the fuss, but he would have been proud.
Speaking before a packed congregation, and choking back tears, she spoke of how she will honour his memory:
Anthony trusted me with almost everything: with the children, their schooling, the house, everything. I intend to honour that trust, and I am going to make sure that our two, adored boys, are going to grow up into good, solid men, of integrity, and honesty, just like their Dad.
I was married to Anthony for seventeen wonderful years, it was an idyllic life. Our home was so happy. It was a haven for all of the important things in life. His values were perfect, we had great plans for the future. But the show will go on, and I'm going to stick to the plan. Because Anthony is gooing to be with us in perfect every step of the way. Anthony was my true soulmate. We were perfect together. He will never leave my heart.
Olive also spoke of the legacy he leaves, and read out a text message he received from a Munster player ahead of the funeral:
Olive, I just wanted to text you to let you know that Axel was special. He was the heart and soul of Munster. I worshipped him as a player for ten years and then had the privilege of having him as a coach. I owe him so much.
I was in a really dark place during a long injury; I was horrible to the people I loved, and I had all but given up several times. But, Axel never lost faith in me. He always checked in with me, and he always supported me, even though I was pretty much a lost cause, and he had a million different other things going on.
He loved you and the boys so much and I’m sorry for your loss, but I hope you know that Munster is your extended family and we are here with you at your time of loss. Axel meant a huge deal to me and I will miss him so much.
She also recalled Axel's sense of humour, this in relation to the media when he went through difficult times as Munster's head coach:
Olive, I was never as bad as they said I was, and I was never as good as they said I was. So read nothing.
You can listen to the eulogy in full below, via RTE Sport.
[RTE Sport]
