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and sincerity, given their regard and friendships with
Axel. We had tuned in to watch and listen to a rugby
match, we were brought thumpingly to earth with a
sombre reality check, a reminder of how fragile life
is, how it must be cherished and prioritised.
“Our broadcasters, and subsequently our fine print
journalists, demonstrated that they are no one-
dimensional interlocutors, that they are essentially
ordinary people with the extraordinary capacity and
range to bring us our entertainment through sport
and to acknowledge instantly, and with humanity,
the really important things and values in our lives.
“In Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley’s untimely,
incomprehensible passing, our media did
him proud, and in the process unconsciously
demonstrated that it recognises that sport – and
in this case a rugby game – is an often rewarding
indulgence which knows its place in the order of
things.”
RIP Axel
Rod Nawn
Sports Journalist, broadcaster & rugby fan
Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Shane Logan
released the following statement upon learning
of the sad passing of Anthony Foley...
“I, like many others, was deeply shocked and
saddened to learn of the news of the tragic
passing of Anthony Foley.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Ulster
Rugby are with Anthony's family and friends at
this very sad time.
“He was a legendary figure of the game of rugby
union and represented everything that is great
about our sport. His exploits on the pitch were
well-documented but he was equally impressive off
the pitch and was hugely popular in rugby circles.
“He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and
the wider rugby community.”
Shane Logan
Ulster Rugby Chief Executive