By Paul Saunders<\/p>\n
A Book of Condolence for Anthony Foley has opened today in the UL Sport Arena.<\/p>\n
The book is open for all to sign and is accompanied by candle and a photo of \u201cAxel\u201d with the Heineken Cup.<\/p>\n
The book has been open to sign since 9am and is nearly half full, filled with messages of thanks and respect for the Shannon Back-Row. <\/p>\n
UL Chaplaincy, Father John Campion said: \u201cHe was unbelievable, he was a man of the people, people identified with him. There are no words to express the loss to his family, the community, and Irish rugby. <\/p>\n
The news of Anthony\u2019s passing, shocked many at UL and student Kevin Kinane said: “It\u2019s just too sad, I don\u2019t know what else to say, I\u2019m stunned.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is just too sad actually, it\u2019s sad for everybody, I\u2019m just left speechless.” <\/p>\n
UL Director of Sport, David Mahedy said: \u201cHe was a true leader and he demonstrated this quality both on the field of play and more recently, on a daily basis as he went about his work with Munster’s next generation here at the UL campus. He will be sorely missed by all. May he rest in peace.”<\/p>\n
Fr Campion was at a rugby match when he heard the news and initially didn\u2019t believe what he heard. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a young man, a man of few words; his actions always spoke louder than words.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just hit me, and I was saddened, he was a very personable man, happy with anything and he always learned from failure, he was a true Munster legend,\u201d Fr Campion added. <\/p>\n
Anthony made an enormous contribution to Munster and Irish rugby over a career marked by success at club, province and national level. <\/p>\n
He captained Munster to their first Heineken Cup win in 2006.<\/p>\n
He was also the first Munster player to surpass 200 appearances for the province and won 62 international caps.<\/p>\n