John Fogarty Forced to Retire

pappyodaniel

from the Irish Independent

LEINSTER are in the market for a new hooker after John Fogarty has announced his immediate retirement from rugby as a result of difficulties brought about by repeated concussions, WRITES HUGH FARRELLY.

Joe Schmidt's side have South African Richardt Strauss and Jason Harris-Wright on their books, but with a heavy schedule of Magners League and Heineken Cup matches, they will need a third option.

The 33-year-old Fogarty won his sole cap for Ireland as a late replacement against the All Blacks during last summer's tour. He was also a member of Leinster's Heineken Cup-winning squad, having previously won a Celtic League with Munster. He also holds 12 Ireland 'A' caps, three as captain.

Leinster also announced the retirement of 33-year-old prop Ronnie McCormack due to neck injury problems. McCormack played 52 times for Leinster and won nine caps for Ireland 'A'.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's Keven Mealamu could be missing for the All Blacks' visit to Dublin on Saturday week after the hooker was cited for an apparent headbutt on Lewis Moody in the 26-16 victory over England at Twickenham.

Mealamu faces the minimum of a one-month ban if he is found guilty. The IRB-appointed judicial officer, Professor Lorne Crerar, will hear the case at a date and venue to be confirmed.

A really tough competitor as seen in one particular derby match, John was a decent squad member. And Leinster are now on the hunt for another hooker. Hopefully they'll look to find an Irish lad or someone floating about in another province....Denis Fogarty comes to mind, sensational in loose play but terrible darts. Munster are spoilt for choice at the moment with Flannery, Varley, Denis Fogarty, Mike sherry and Seán Henry in the hooker position and I'd have no qualms about one of these guys (outside of Fla and Varley) leaving to play for the old enemy.

john kinsella

Very sad news.

A great assest to the team and a great squad player. I wish him all the best with his future.

Otacon

Jebus, that's unfortunate. Its horrible when you hear these stories. These guys really do put their bodies on the line for the sport we all love. I hope the issues do not affect the rest of his life.

buck65

Good luck in retirement. Good honest pro - thankfully he got a well deserved cap in NZ.
Same for Ronan McCormack.

Crash

pappyodaniel wrote: »

from the Irish Independent



A really tough competitor as seen in one particular derby match, John was a decent squad member. And Leinster are now on the hunt for another hooker. Hopefully they'll look to find an Irish lad or someone floating about in another province....Denis Fogarty comes to mind, sensational in loose play but terrible darts. Munster are spoilt for choice at the moment with Flannery, Varley, Denis Fogarty, Mike sherry and Seán Henry in the hooker position and I'd have no qualms about one of these guys (outside of Fla and Varley) leaving to play for the old enemy.

More than just a great squad player, in all fairness. won the unsung hero award last year, was unbelievably consistent for us all the way through last season. An absolutely horrible piece to read though is this:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/it-affects-every-facet-of-your-life-it-takes-from-you-im-a-different-person-when-this-is-bad-2410819.html

If you haven't read it, you should. Feel so sorry for Fogarty to have to go through what he's going through.

ScrubsfanChris

Big loss for Leinster and Ireland. Hopefully Flanery won't be next

Also mabey add John Fogarty to the thread title

Crash

Crash wrote: »

More than just a great squad player, in all fairness. won the unsung hero award last year, was unbelievably consistent for us all the way through last season. An absolutely horrible piece to read though is this:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/it-affects-every-facet-of-your-life-it-takes-from-you-im-a-different-person-when-this-is-bad-2410819.html

If you haven't read it, you should. Feel so sorry for Fogarty to have to go through what he's going through.

A powerful piece.

Heartfelt insight. He will be missed

phog

Crash wrote: »

More than just a great squad player, in all fairness. won the unsung hero award last year, was unbelievably consistent for us all the way through last season. An absolutely horrible piece to read though is this:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/it-affects-every-facet-of-your-life-it-takes-from-you-im-a-different-person-when-this-is-bad-2410819.html

If you haven't read it, you should. Feel so sorry for Fogarty to have to go through what he's going through.

Yes real insight into what players have to go through when they pick up serious injuries and are faced with making a decision to retire early from the game.

mikedragon32

That piece was mailed to me yesterday. Real dose of reality for the armchair fans who think it's simple to get up and keep going week after week. Fascinating insight too into the professional players' routine with medicals after every game. Gives some idea of what their bodies are put through.

With regard to this:

Denis Fogarty comes to mind, sensational in loose play but terrible darts.

Surely then there's no point having him? The hookers key jobs are hooking in the scrum and throwing into the lineout. If he can't throw into the lineout surely then he's just a frontrow player? I'm not dismissing his ability in the loose, but all the gains in the world are wasted if your opponents know they'll get the ball back next lineout. Thompson V Ireland a few years ago springs to mind. (Yes, and Best last weekend)

andrewdcs

That's very sad if superb article. All best wishes for him for the future, he can't leave rugby for good. Surely there are AIL clubs / schools around the country looking for forwards coaches. Same out to Ronnie McCormack.

Corsendonk

Sad news for both players, another foreign import to replace Fogarty? Or is there a decent Irish qualified hooker option out there to recruit to a Leinster contract? We need as many Irish qualified front row players as possible to have a chance of a decent front row.