Lets start another Dublin thread for another dub legend. They said he couldn't hit a cows arse with a frying pan but 7 all irelands papers over that crack i would say. That goal v Tyrone in 2010 kick started the whole thing if you ask me

lilypad (Kildare) - Posts: 1363 - 05/11/2019 20:34:39    2247976

Ronan O'Gara was a fine rugby player won a few triple crowns a grand slam and two Heineken cups happy retirement Ronan.

Themall1916 (Kerry) - Posts: 98 - 05/11/2019 20:46:52    2247984

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13707 - 05/11/2019 20:52:34    2247985

He certainly can retire with a smile on his face. To be present on the greatest panel of players ever to play the game is no mean feat. Always stuck me as a real workhorse who got the most out of himself. A lesson for us all - well done

Ban (Westmeath) - Posts: 1415 - 05/11/2019 21:10:01    2247990

Very dedicated player and a medal haul that not many can match but a very average footballer. However did make the most of what he had to good effect and got some crucial scores through the years. Enjoy retirement. Well deserved

superdub (Dublin) - Posts: 392 - 05/11/2019 21:12:43    2247993

Themall1916 (Kerry) - Posts: 98 - 05/11/2019 21:13:35    2247995

He gave Gavin a completely different option

Great ball winner. Ball stuck to him and he scored some big scores.

Gavin singled him out for praise after the recent AI final.

He knows well the value he brought to that panel. Every Dub player would say the same.

His goal in 2010 against Tyrone was a hugely significant moment for me as a supporter, and he became an important player under Gilroy

2013 came on for the injured Mannion early enough in first half while Mayo were on top. He went onto have an excellent performance and Dublin got on top when he came on. Mayo struggled with his physicality, and he caused a lot of trouble. Mayo moved Higgins onto him and he largely kept Higgins in his own half cutting out a big offensive option for them (Higgins arguably one of the best players at the time)
He forced a great save which resulted in a PT and he played a big part setting up Brogan's goal. He got injured in that tackle, pulling his hamstring and yet had to bravely play on and because he had previously caused Mayo so much bother, Higgins didn't move off him.
EOG with one leg kept Higgins busy.
Dublin simply wouldn't have won the 2013 final without his game winning influence.
That in itself is an absolute brilliant personal achievement.

He scored a lovely point late on against Kerry in the 2016 AI semi-final epic. For me the game of the decade and a lovely score on the run.

He got over a career ending injury and once again offered an unique option to Gavin. Massive credit to him coming back and I'm good form.

He got a start in 2017. He must have been moving great in training. He got a score but Dublins tactical setup took a nose dive with McCaffrey ripping up his knee. Dublin didn't settle well after that and the ball just didn't go into him. He was unlucky in that game.

EOG was a highly valuable assett and a privilage to support.

Every great team has a number of different style players and every great team needs an EOG.

It was a privilege to support him.

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 05/11/2019 21:17:43    2247997

jacktheDub (Dublin) - Posts: 944 - 05/11/2019 21:21:14    2247998

The option that few gave a manager. To me that optimised Eoghan O'Gara. Some haul of medals for a player who "couldn't score". An underrated player.

David (Meath) - Posts: 567 - 05/11/2019 23:16:38    2248028

A big strong lad who while not the most stylish footballer was a danger when you needed another option. He done well for Dublin and hopefully can enjoy retirement.

catch22 (USA) - Posts: 2148 - 06/11/2019 07:47:22    2248040

Underrated player in my opinion. An absolute work horse and was always one that was capable of producing a bib moment out of nowhere. 7 AI isn't bad either I suppose.. Happy retirement!

boman11 (Antrim) - Posts: 237 - 06/11/2019 08:50:48    2248046

Sort of player any opposition loves to hate. When he went out and played football he showed he was decent and an asset to have but too many times he took to the field like some sort of Terminator and ended up being detrimental to the team as he was either focused on the argy-bargy or watching from the sidelines having been sent off. Still, he has 7 medals the majority of players could only wish to get one of so I'd say he's retired with a smile on his face.

Offside_Rule (Antrim) - Posts: 4058 - 06/11/2019 09:51:32    2248058

His goal against Tyrone in 2010 pretty much vanquished the dying embers of the great Tyrone team winning another All Ireland. One of the loudest roars I ever heard in Croker and sickened me to the core.

A few people here seem to be critical of his ability but anyone who has hung round this top Dublin team for so long is surely a top baller.

OGarmaile (Tyrone) - Posts: 248 - 06/11/2019 10:05:21    2248061

A strong athletic player. His greatest impact was probably on the training ground. His power and strength would have hardened up a lot of the dubs defensive players which would have allowed them to be able.to cope with players like Murphy and o shea. It's probably why he was part of the squad to add that extra dimension of attack in training games and allow the dubs defenders to gain experience of coping with players of his physicality. A brilliant player and probably one of the players behind the shadows that was the unsung hero in A lot of the all ireland wins.

monaghanmad (Monaghan) - Posts: 378 - 06/11/2019 10:09:12    2248064

Jackeen (Dublin) - Posts: 4097 - 06/11/2019 10:12:30    2248067

Jackeen (Dublin) - Posts: 4097 - 06/11/2019 10:13:16    2248068

Rumours going around that he is transferring to a club in Wexford

lefty (Wexford) - Posts: 185 - 06/11/2019 10:34:23    2248071

An absolute cult hero and a massive favorite for most Dubs.

His contribution to this Dublin era of success cant be underestimated. Its easy to forget that in 2010 many people thought Dublin were a soft touch and would always choke when it mattered, all style no substance, who would fade away if you roughed them up and put them under physical pressure.

That changed on a sunny day in Croker in 2010 against Tyrone when players like Eoghan O Gara, stood up to the most physical team, Gaelic football had seen and scored a wonderful goal and willfully matched Tyrone, it was the first time Dublin had beaten a "really big team" of an era.

It was a turning point for Dublin football and from that moment and that result, Dublin have lost 4 championship games against, Meath, Cork, Mayo and Donegal to today, incredible stuff. Men like Eoghan O Gara forged a new Dublin and a strength of character, toughness and resolve, probably not see in the game before. Its been the foundation for the greatest era of Dublin success ever, breaking all known team records in the GAA.

So many memories, the final 2013, when he came on for Mannion, absolutely turned the tide in the game that enabled us to beat Mayo. The goal of the bench in that amazing Semi against Kerry the same year. Some contribution that year.

Also remember a vital point Vs Kerry in the 2016 semi. Going onto make the final team in 2017.

I remember the league game against Tyrone this year, when we getting absolutely physically roasted que O Gara to go put manners on his old nemesis, really fitting that his last appearance in a Dublin shirt was against Tyrone in Omagh, of course scoring a goal.

Other great memories are the game down in Kilkenny Vs Loais in the championship a few years ago, the chant behind the goal all game was " OHHH Eoghan O Gara" to seven nation Army - brilliant stuff. Not sure anyone else remember a league game in Port Laoise in 2012, freezing cold Sat night, Jonny Coopper and strangely Craig Dias were playing their first games for Dublin. O Gara must have hit 10-12 point, everything he hit and he was hitting everything from every where went over the bar, it was just incredible and brilliant on the night. He was loved by all the fans and everyone was made up for him.

He had a terrible injury after 2013, that really curtailed his progress on the panel, but to his credit fought back and always contributed.

Always thought, refs were harsh on him, he had a reputation as big fella for putting himself about and often picked up Yellow and reds were others wouldn't, a Leinster Semi Vs Kildare springs to mind in 2011.

He probably suffered a bit given his skill set in latter years with Gavin wanting a fast running or possession based game, but was always a go to in games when things got tasty of we needed a bit of steel. He was loved on the panel and id say his contribution in the panel itself is untold.

A great example to any youngster, who might not be the most graceful or technical, but maximizing your natural talents with work rate, belief and commitment.

7 All Ireland's
10 Leinster titles
5 League titles.
1 Junior All Ireland
1 junior Leinster.

What a career, you will be missed and always revered Eoghan, thanks for all the great times and enjoy your retirement. See you on the HIll.

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 06/11/2019 11:48:35    2248092

bostonredsox (Wexford) - Posts: 4368 - 06/11/2019 13:25:13    2248109

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 06/11/2019 14:13:54    2248123