Brendan Foley’s international career began in 1976. He joined Shannon from St Mary’s in 1969 and soon established himself as a first choice second row. He became an interprovincial player in 1972 and it would take a further 4 years before he was elevated to the international side. He won his first cap against France in a XV that also saw the introduction of Phil Orr who went on to become Irelands most capped prop to date. Brendan went on to win a further 10 caps between 1976 and 1981. He toured extensively with the national side, going to New Zealand in ’76, Australia in ’79 and South Africa in ’81. His final cap came in 1981 when Australia toured Ireland. Playing alongside him in the second row that day was new cap Donal Lenihan who went on to captain and manage Ireland and the lions.