One year on from the death of one of the most well-loved and respected figures in Irish rugby, Anthony Foley was remembered as RTÉ aired a documentary celebrating his life on Monday night.
Axel's story was told from his schoolboy days, to making the breakthrough at Munster, all the success he enjoyed as he established himself as captain, and then taking over as coach, but it also offered some truly humbling moments as those who knew him best remembered the days surrounding his passing last year.
We heard from the likes of CJ Stander, Conor Murray, Jerry Flannery, Paul O'Connell, and Ronan O'Gara, each offering their perspective of how the learned of the tragic news and how it impacted them.
The majority of those watching at home were moved by the emotion of those who spoke, and many took to Twitter to both praise the quality of the documentary and express their sadness that Axel is no longer with us.
What an incredible photo this is from the Axel doc on RTE right now. pic.twitter.com/CLwbM5UFyP
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 16, 2017
This is just amazing. Such a great portrait of a great man. #Axel
— Dave Moore (@DaveTodayFM) October 16, 2017
Quite emotional watching this wonderful documentary. Axel is such a loss to Munster but nothing compared to the loss to his family! #Axel
— Aine Gleeson (@Munsterannie) October 16, 2017
10 seconds in and already this is hard #Axel
— Michael McCarthy (@McCarthyMick) October 16, 2017
This #Axel documentary on @rte is absolutely quality. Very emotional though.
— Emma Sloan (@emmasloan) October 16, 2017
Inspirational, powerful, emotional.......#Axel documentary is excellent right from the start. Beautiful tribute.
— Niamh Fitzpatrick (@NFitzPsychology) October 16, 2017
Fair play to the documentary makers for addressing the pressure and negativity that was around Munster at the time #Axel
— David Kelly (@dkelly1ie) October 16, 2017
This is utterly heartbreaking. #Axel was the heart and soul of that red jersey.
— Dermot Keyes (@DermotKeyes) October 16, 2017
Literally have goosebumps watching the #Axel documentary on @RTÉ right now. #Legend
— SiofraMcAleer (@SiofraMac) October 16, 2017
#Axel documentary on @RTEOne literally has the hair standing on the back of my neck - unbelievably moving
— Ruth Allen (@ruthsieallen) October 16, 2017
This has me laughing & crying. Outstanding emotional viewing. People in sport. What a legacy #Axel
— Jonny McGailey (@JonnyMcgailey) October 16, 2017
Not going to make it through this Anthony Foley documentary without some tears #Axel
— Julie Scriven (@juliescriven) October 16, 2017
Going to be a difficult watch but nice to remember @Munsterrugby Legend #Axel
— SPIN South West (@SPINSouthWest) October 16, 2017
Minutes into #Munsterman I find myself weeping - enough said #Axel #Hero #Leader
— Brendan Boylan (@BrendanBoylan) October 16, 2017
What a superb incredibly moving tribute. Hope RTE repeat it for all those without power tonight. #Axel #Munsterman
— Maura O'Neill (@MauraONeill1) October 16, 2017
#Axel will always be an inspiration, even in his passing he’s left a huge impression that’ll last a life time #8 #Munsterman
— Aaron Clarke (@Aaron_c91) October 16, 2017
It truly was beautifully done.
To wonderfully outline how important he was to Munster, to his community, and to Irish rugby as a whole, and then get the raw emotion from those closest to him, it was superbly handled and did a great job at telling the story of a man who will live forever in Irish rugby folklore.
There were funny moments, bitterly sad and upsetting moments, annd stories to draw inspiration from, if you missed it, be sure to get onto the RTÉ Player and catch up.
