Over a thousand people turned out to pay tribute to sporting legend Anthony Foley as he made his final trip home.
The body of the Killaloe man was flown home to Shannon Airport last night on board Ryanair's corporate jet.
Around 25 members of the extended Foley family, former team mates and personal friends Paul O'Connell and Mick Galwey and senior Munster Rugby executives flew out from Shannon yesterday shortly before one o'clock.
The jet had been designated a special callsign for the 85 minute flight to Paris, flight FR-1973, denoting Anthony’s birth year, flew to Le Bourget Airport, about 16 kilometres from Paris.
The callsign for the return flight was equally significant. FR-8 represented the number 8 jersey the back row wore for his beloved Munster and for Ireland.
The flight landed at Shannon Airport shortly after 6 o'clock and Garda motorcycle outriders led the cortege from the airport to Anthony’s home town of Killaloe via Thomond Park, where over a thousand fans gathered.
Anthony will lie in repose at St Flannan's Church, Killaloe from 1 o'clock this afternoon until 8.30.
He'll be laid to rest in Reilig Lua, Killaloe following funeral mass at 12 noon tomorrow.
