Praise and support for emotional Foley widow
OLIVE Foley, the widow of Irish rugby legend Anthony, received a standing ovation at the World Meeting of Families yesterday.
At a panel discussion on the importance of faith and family in sport, she gave an emotional speech about losing her husband to a heart attack.
Alongside rugby star Ronan O’gara, former Manchester United player turned priest Fr Philip Mulryne and Kerry GAA All-ireland winner Aidan O’mahony, she said the support she and her two sons received was priceless.
Mrs Foley added: “Anthony was an everyday man, he went about his business with humility and kindness.
“People could relate to him and had a bond with him. It’s fair to say he was an idol to many but nowhere was he idolised more than at home.
“Losing my husband, confidante and best friend, but most of all the father of my children, created a void that is impossible to fill.”
Anthony “Axel” Foley died in a Paris hotel in October 2016. The 42-year-old was head coach for Munster Rugby Club and had travelled to France for a match.
Breaking down as she spoke, Mrs Foley hailed her family both at home and within sport.
She said: “In those darkest hours, the arms of that family wrapped their arms around me and my family in a way that was remarkable and have done so ever since. Anthony gave everything to sport and sport has really given back.
“They joined together and wrapped us in a blanket of support – and that includes Ronan O’gara, who was amazing at the time.”
More than a thousand people in Dublin’s RDS arena stood to applaud Mrs Foley after her speech.
She was followed on the stage by a visibly upset O’gara.
He said: “I’m here today to support Olive and, although it’s a cliche, the family which Axel laid was incredibly tight. It was a special dressing room and that dressing room becomes your family.
“It has enriched our lives, it helps us to deal with real issues, sharing thoughts and worries, creates values and respect, for me that’s what today is all about.”
More than 37,000 people from 116 countries are expected to attend the RDS for a series of events as part of the World Meeting of Families.