Standing Ovation For Anthony Foley’s Widow Olive Following Heartbreaking Speech
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“Anthony gave everything to sport, and sport has really given back.”
Olive Foley, the widow of the late. great Anthony Foley, received a standing ovation yesterday at the World Meeting of Families after a heartbreaking speech about losing her husband.
The former Munster and Ireland back-row suddenly passed away back in 2016 in his hotel room on the eve of a Champions Cup game. Olive was speaking at a panel discusssion yesterday that included Anthony’s former teammate and long-time friend Ronan O’Gara.
Olive says losing Anthony has created a void that is “impossible to fill.”
“Anthony was an everyday man, for a pretty big man off the field, in a tough game, off the field, as a husband and as a coach, he went about his business with humility and kindness.” she said
“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.”
As she continued she broke down in her speech, but thanked her family at home, and within sport.
“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.” she added.
“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 up to applaud Olive after her speech.
