Peter O’Mahony On The Dramatic Effect Anthony Foley Had On His Career

Peter O’Mahony grew up idolising Anthony Foley.

As a young sixteen year-old he witnessed the former Munster captain lift the Heineken Cup in 2006 with his beloved province. Soon after, O’Mahony was drafted into the Munster Academy having being touted as a future star at schools level. Foley had just retired from playing.

“I grew up following him around the place, even though he didn’t know it. And then to be allowed come in and rub shoulders with guys like him… he had just finished playing when I came into the academy and my developmental contract.

“But for him to be around and to be allowed talk to him and be in his presence was a dream come true at the time. It stayed that way up until last weekend.” 

When asked for the biggest lesson Axel ever thought him, O’Mahony couldn’t single one out, he had taught him so much.

“I learned a huge amount from him. I couldn’t just pick one thing from him, I could pick the rugby side of stuff.

“I learned life skills from him, family skills from him. Seeing him bring… Tony and Dan [his sons] around the dressing room after games. I used to say that I’d love to bring my kids around…”

Foley stopped off at Thomond Park one final time last night and will be buried in his native Killaloe tomorrow. O’Mahony will be the man tasked with leading Munster in Europe this weekend as the province take on Glasgow.