The sudden passing of Munster and Ireland rugby legend Anthony Foley in Paris this morning has shocked the entire nation.

A minutes silence was impeccably observed in memory of the Killaloe native prior to today's Clare SHC decider between Ballyea and Clonlara.

'Axel' hurled at U-16 level for the Banner County before making a name for himself in the oval ball code and, speaking to The Clare Champion, Clare GAA chairman Joe Cooney said: "It's a major shock to his family and to all who knew him throughout the world.

"It's hard to believe that this has happened to a man in the prime of his life, head coach to Munster. He was a wonderful sportsman who played gaelic games in his younger days. Our sympathy goes out to his family."

Smith O'Brien's GAA Club secretary, Councillor Tony O'Brien said: "Anthony was a proud Killaloe man who never forgot his roots and was involved in the promotion of community group activities and events.

"He was a member of a highly respected, well known, very close and supportive Killaloe family.

"While his loss to the entire community is immense, his loss to his wife and family is immeasurable.

"He regularly attended Smith O'Brien underage training sessions with his two sons, Dan and Tony on Tuesday and Thursday nights and helped out in any way he could with these sessions.

"He was a huge leader and role model for young people in the community and was a great source of encouragement to children and teenagers in particular.

"He was a hugely respected member of our community who put Killaloe on the map."

Minutes silence for the late Anthony Foley at the #ClareSHC Final pic.twitter.com/kNigSV2KmK

- The Clare Herald (@theclareherald) October 16, 2016

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