Anthony Foley will be best remembered for his time in the red of Munster, but it was at Shannon where he began his career.
Foley played for 15 years for Shannon from 1992 to 2007, and was part of the historic team that won four All-Ireland titles in a row from 1995 to 1998, captaining the side in the 1997/98 season.
Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast on Monday morning, Shannon RFC Chairman John Leahy said the Killaloe man was destined for greatness.
"There's a great collegiality and fraternity amongst rugby people. That was demonstrated to us yesterday, by the amount of calls we received from a variety of clubs throughout the country. They were all empathising with the fact we are so bereft here in Limerick at the moment at what's happened to Anthony. He was our favourite son."
We're absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of Anthony Foley. Our thoughts&prayers are with his wife Olive,his children& his family
— Shannon RFC (@shannonrfc) October 16, 2016
"Anthony was born into greatness really. his father Brendan, along with Colm Tucker, along with Gerry McLoughlin represented Shannon on that great 1978 Munster team that beat the All Blacks."
"He started his rugby with St Munchin's College here in Limerick. I remember him playing a schools final and it was obvious that day that he was destined for greatness"
"In the Foley family tradition, he came on to the Shannon team and was an instant success. We won four All Ireland Leagues in a row. He along with people like Jerry Flannery, Mick Galway, Eddie Halvey, Alan Quinlan and Marcus Horan were a unique bunch of lads who came together that time. We will never see their likes again."
When captaining Ireland in 2000 against Samoa, Foley became the first Shannon player to captain his country. He won five AIL titles and three Munster Senior Cups with the club.
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