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Horseracing

22nd Oct 2016

Munster’s anthem won at Punchestown while Thomond bid farewell to Anthony Foley

Of course it did

Ben Kiely

By coincidence or kismet, there was a Munster-themed winner at Punchestown on Saturday.

It was an emotional day in Thomond Park as Munster said their goodbyes to Anthony Foley, their former captain and coach who died unexpectedly in a Parisian hotel last weekend.

Munster returned to the pitch with a dominant 38-17 win over the Glasgow Warriors in Limerick in day where Foley’s presence was palpable.

There were songs, there was silence, there were smiles and there were tears during a very emotional day for the Munster family. About two hours east down the M7, a racehorse named “Stand Up and Fight” won the 2:30 at Punchestown.

The JP McManus-owned horse claimed the Maiden Hurdle about an hour after Sinead O’Brien and the Munster Rugby Supporter’s Club Choir belted out a powerful rendition for the province’s anthem.

In the latest GAA Hour, we talk to Ken McGrath of Waterford and with Declan Brennan about a new club players’ association.