A huge honour…
What is left to be said about Munster and Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara?
Ireland’s record points scorer. Munster’s record points scorer. Over a century of international caps.
He’s a legend of the game in Ireland and hugely instrumental in some of the greatest days in Irish rugby history. He’s up there with Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell as the best player of his generation.
A move to France followed his retirement from the game where he took up a role as defence coach with Racing 92 in Paris. A big change of scenery for the Cork man.
But nothing he couldn’t handle as he helped steer Racing to a Top 14 title last year, seeing off the mighty Toulon in a stunning game in a sold-out Camp Nou in Barcelona.
They were unfortunate not add a Champions Cup title to their list of honours but they encountered a supreme Saracens side who were not to be denied.
Now, O’Gara is to be honoured for his achievements in the game by being granted the Freedom of Cork city.
FREEDOM OF THE CITY – Cork, Munster and Ireland legend Ronan O'Gara is set to receive the Freedom of Cork City. #NPRedFM pic.twitter.com/9J4lyodkt2
— Neil Prendeville (@NeilRedFM) February 13, 2017
The news is expected to be confirmed at a council meeting this evening which will attended by the Lord Mayor of Cork.
O’Gara wasn’t just an hugely talented player on the pitch, he was also a leader off it as well a former Irish international Kevin McLaughlin recently revealed on a episode of the SportsJOE Hard Yards podcast.
Kevin McLaughlin revealed: “ROG is a great example. I’ve been a tackling bag in Carton House loads and loads of times unfortunately because I was either on the bench or on the fringes more often or not for Ireland over the course of my career.
“I was there when Sexton overtook ROG. He was amazing to play with on the opposition team. He actually inspired me, and got the most out of me.
“That must have been very mentally challenging for him. But ROG is obviously a very strong character to be able to do that.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
