Another Munster stalwart is to call time on his career with Marcus Horan announcing he is to hang up his boots at the end of the season.
By Declan Whooley
Over the past 18 months a number of the Province’s most high-profile players have called it a day and Horan will add his name to that list after announcing that this will be his his final season as a professional player.
One of the first dynamic props this country has seen and a genuine try-scoring threat (30 tries for Munster in all competitions), he has become Munster’s most capped forward (224 caps) while also amassing 67 international caps for Ireland.
He earned his first cap in 1999 and served his time under Peter Clohessy before making the number one jersey his own in 2002. he would go on to form one of the strongest front rows with Jerry Flannery and John Hayes at both club and country level.
He informed his colleagues and training at CIT today before talking to the media.
“It was a tough decision to make no question of that. But I’m happy giving the options presented to me, it was the right one for me and my family ,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed my career no end and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”
He has been part of some of Irish rugby’s most successful days and here is a quick re-cap on his career in pictures.
Looking fresh-faced in 2003
On the charge against Toulouse in 2004
One of the 30 tries he managed in a red jersey
Facing the All Blacks in 2006
One of the most formidable front rows, Horan, Flannery and Hayes
Heineken glory in 2006
Celebrating a second European success with daughter Heather in 2008
Happy with a good days work in Cardiff for the Grand Slam
Heather getting used to the family success
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