Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has paid tribute to Clare rugby legend, Anthony Foley who died in Paris over the weekend.

In a statement issued on Monday, Deputy Carey said that the late Anthony Foley epitomised all that is good in sport.

“His passion, leadership and commitment gave us some magnificent sporting memories while his sense of loyalty and fair play set a worthy example for young people all over Munster and Ireland.

“Here in Clare we took special pride in his many achievements. Even at a time when the demands of his role as head coach with Munster Rugby were particularly onerous, he still found time to support local causes and organisations in his native Killaloe.

“Considerate, modest and generous to a fault, he will be sadly missed not just by those who were fortunate to know him but by the thousands who were inspired by his indomitable spirit.

“I extend sincere sympathy to his wife Olive, sons Tony and Dan, mother Sheila, father Brendan, sisters Orla and Rosie and the extended Foley and Hogan family,” Deputy Carey’s statement concluded.