Play to pay tribute to Anthony Foley on 8th anniversary of his passing

“It’s pride. Pride in place, pride in parish, pride in your friends. It’s understanding who you represent.”

October 16th marks eight years since the tragic passing of Munster and Ireland legend, Anthony Foley in Paris. ‘Axel’, who captained Munster to their first ever Heineken Cup triumph, died of a cardiac myopathy on the morning his province were due to play Racing 92, in the same competition.

A week after Foley’s death, and the day after his funeral in Killaloe, County Clare, his players took to the field at Thomond Park, defeated Glasgow Warriors and gave him a rousing send-off. Less than a month after the tragedy, four Munster players took their place at the front of a figure of 8 tribute as Ireland faced down a fearsome All Blacks Haka, at Soldier Field.

Soldier Field, written by best-selling author and playwright Pat McCarry, follows eight Irish fans and four players – Conor Murray, CJ Stander Rob Kearney and Andrew Trimble – in the build-up to, and during, Ireland’s first ever Test win over New Zealand. The story pays fitting homage to Axel and captures what it was like to be in Chicago for one of the most joyous, emotional days in Irish rugby history.

The play is being performed by The Sallins Dramatic Society and will be staged at Sallins Community Centre from October 10-12th, and at The Moat Theatre, Naas on October 15th. The dates are poignant as they fall the week before Foley’s eighth anniversary. This was a man that graced the No.8 jersey with such pride and passion, over the years, for Munster and Ireland. At the time of his passing, ‘8’ tributes flooded rugby across Ireland and Europe, with all rivalries put aside to remember a player that truly epitomised the Munster way.

Proceeds from the play will go towards a fundraiser set up by Orla Foley, Anthony’s younger sister, to help celebrate his life and legacy. Money raised on the night of the Naas show will go to the Mid-Western Cancer Foundation, Irish Rugby Charitable Trust and CRY, which provides screening and free bereavement counselling for families at risk of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS). Rosie Foley, Anthony’s other sister, recently took part in the ‘Escape From Alcatraz’ swim, in San Francisco, to raise money for the same cause.

“Soldier Field is wonderful play that captures the magic link between team and the 16th man, us supporters,” says Orla. “It also invokes memories of that historic moment when Ireland honoured my brother’s memory for their first ever win over the mighty All Blacks. Raw with grief, I watched the game at home with my parents. My dad had the privilege of being part of the ‘78 Munster team, who were first Irish side to beat the All Blacks. The scoreline that day, in Chicago, was the exact reverse of the last time Anthony played New Zealand (in 2001). It truly felt like he was sending a sign from beyond the veil.

“It’s hard to belief its nearly eight years since Anthony’s death, which this play marks with its staging in Naas. Thanks to Pat McCarry and his team, all at Naas RFC and the extended rugby community for helping to celebrate Anthony’s life, and the success of Irish rugby.”

The play was first performed over four nights, in 2019, at The Mill Theatre in Dundrum, and received standing ovations after each showing. Capturing that sense of big-match euphoria, there are moments of gripping drama, tension-relieving comedy, pure dread, giddy hope and a taste of what a white-knuckle ride that day was.

“I was lucky enough to be at Soldier Field, for what turned out to be a pure crazy experience,” Pat McCarry recalls. “The Chicago Cubs had just won their first World Series in 108 years and the whole city was going wild. It was the final week of the US presidential election, with big, raucous rallies going on, and protests against Donald Trump down at Trump Tower, where the Irish team were staying.

“Throw into the mix this daring, ambitious Irish side coming up against the world champion All Blacks, who were on an 18-game winning streak, fans of both sides streaming into the city from everywhere, and you have an unforgettable few days.”

Pat spoke to many of the players – from both sides – that featured in the game, as well as legends of the game that had watched as, for the first time in 29 Test encounters and 111 years, Ireland beat New Zealand.

He also heard some incredible stories of fans that had travelled across America, jetted in from all over the world and, of course, from Ireland to get to Soldier Field and play their part. “You had friends catching up that had not seen each other in years, families reunited, grandparents meeting their grandchildren for the first time, undocumented Irish, who can’t get home, finally getting to see friends and family after so long apart.

“The game, in a way, was just the reason for these people to reconnect,” says Pat. “An excuse to share time together and re-live old stories. Win or lose, those are the moments that people remember, not just the 80 minutes. But winning sure does add to the feeling that everyone there that day has been part of something special.”

Soldier Field will be staged at The Moat Theatre, Naas, on Tuesday, October 15th. Tickets are €18 and are available at moattheatre.com. The play has its ’initial run at Sallins Community Centre from October 10-12, with tickets available at www.eventbrite.ie