Munster to remember 'dearly departed coach, former captain and friend' Anthony Foley in Thomond Park
Munster Rugby have revealed plans to commemorate the life and career of Anthony Foley when they play Glasgow Warriors in the European Champions Cup this Saturday.
The Munster head coach died unexpectedly in France last weekend and the match will take place less than 24 hours after his burial in Killaloe.
In a statement today they said: “Fans are invited to remember our dearly departed coach, former captain and friend Anthony Foley at Thomond Park”.
Foley’s remains were flown home yesterday and the hearse carrying his body stopped briefly outside Thomond Park in front of a shrine of Munster jerseys, scarves, and flowers.
From 11am on Saturday, books of condolence will be open for all supporters in the Fan Zone under the East Stand and in the MRSC bar.
A special commemorative match programme, documenting Anthony's life in rugby and the tributes paid to him in recent days, will be on sale at the ground with a percentage of proceeds going towards a fund or charitable cause to be agreed upon by the Foley family with support from Munster Rugby.
A minute’s silence will be observed during which a special tribute to Anthony will take place in the West Stand. Supporters in the West Stand are asked to take their seats no later than 12:50pm in order to facilitate this.
On the pitch before kick-off, in recognising Anthony's achievements and lifelong association with Shannon RFC, the Munster Rugby Supporters Club Choir will perform 'There Is An Isle', and soprano Sinead O'Brien will join the Choir to perform 'Stand Up And Fight’.
In further recognising his life in rugby, young players and students from Shannon RFC and his former school of St Munchin's will form a guard of honour as the teams take to the field.
At halftime the girls rugby team from Anthony's native Ballina/Killaloe will take part in our mini rugby display alongside Bruff, Waterpark and Tralee/Listowel.
