Patrick Horgan’s decision to retire from intercounty hurling brings to an end a glittering 18 year career in the red and white of Cork.

Over that period, since his championship debut in 2008, Patrick would become one of the most accomplished players in the game, and the talisman of the Cork team. 

 

A Cork minor and U21 player, he won four Munster senior hurling titles with Cork and played in four All Ireland senior finals. His last All-Ireland Final appearance came 12 years after his first.  He is the all-time record scorer in both the National Hurling League, and All-Ireland senior championship. He is also a four time All Star winner.

 

He won two Cork county senior hurling titles with his beloved Glen Rovers, with his first, in 2015, coming 26 years after the last time the Glen won the championship. He also won minor and U21 county titles with the Glen. He went on to play in six county finals and became the all-time leading scorer in Cork club championship hurling.

This list of achievements over his career is testament to his greatness. Yet for all this array of medals and awards, he will perhaps be remembered best as the embodiment of the aspirations of a new generation of Cork supporters who, unlike previous generations, had not been reared on All Ireland victories, but who nonetheless craved for success, and followed the Cork team in their thousands.

For this generation, and for all Cork supporters, the popular name ‘Hoggie’ became synonymous with their hopes and dreams of glory.
While a senior All Ireland medal sadly eluded Patrick, his name is enshrined with the greats of Cork hurling. His departure will cause much sadness on Leeside, but will also prompt an outpouring of pride in the wonderful memories and great days that Patrick’s exploits inspired.

Cork GAA Chairman Pat Horgan noted, ‘This is a sad day for Cork supporters, coming so soon after the huge disappointment of the All-Ireland Final. Patrick Horgan can justly lay claim to be one of the greats of Cork hurling. To him, and to his family who supported him over his career, I say, on behalf of the Cork GAA family, thank you for everything.’

Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan said, ‘Patrick Horgan became an icon for a new generation of Cork supporters in the 2000s, who flocked in their thousands to support the Cork hurlers. His commitment, dedication and pursuit of excellence saw him become an inspiration to so many. He is a credit to his family, club and county. We thank him for the wonderful memories.’