Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I extend my sincere condolences to the Foley family on the death of the Munster great and Ireland stalwart, Anthony Foley. As a sports enthusiast, I was very fortunate to have been in the Millennium Stadium when he lifted the Heineken Cup. It is a tragedy for his wife and children, father and extended family. It is a tragedy not alone for the rugby fraternity but also the entire sporting nation because, whether it be rugby, Gaelic sports or soccer, we take great pride in the green jersey. Anthony Foley wore not only the Munster and Shannon jersey but also the Irish jersey with great pride. In my lifetime I was very fortunate to have seen such a fine sports icon play on three or four occasions, I add my condolences to those of others who mentioned him.