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Replying To TheUsername: "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." His would be a sports bio worth a read
jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 06/11/2019 14:28:43
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I remember Dublin fans booing him off the pitch at a league game.
RoyalBadger (Meath) - Posts: 571 - 06/11/2019 15:26:49
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Replying To wexico15: "Heard the same his wife or girlfriend is from wexford I was told there building a house down here" I actually met him at the Leinster hurling final in 17 with 2 little ones in tow all decked out in purple and gold.
Really nice fella actually, best of luck to him, serious career, I think he might be on his way to the Shels, heard that whisper.
Anyone got a number for him, maybe I can convince him to look elsewhere??? The shels have enough.
tearintom (Wexford) - Posts: 1326 - 06/11/2019 15:50:17
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Replying To RoyalBadger: "I remember Dublin fans booing him off the pitch at a league game." Which one?
jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 06/11/2019 16:20:00
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Replying To tearintom: "I actually met him at the Leinster hurling final in 17 with 2 little ones in tow all decked out in purple and gold.
Really nice fella actually, best of luck to him, serious career, I think he might be on his way to the Shels, heard that whisper.
Anyone got a number for him, maybe I can convince him to look elsewhere??? The shels have enough." Heard the same but he's living in Blackwater, other half is a sister of a former shels and wexford player, Mr Galvin might presuade him to come out of retirement in purple and gold colours ;)
bostonredsox (Wexford) - Posts: 4368 - 06/11/2019 16:29:25
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Replying To jimbodub: "Which one?" One of those 'Spring Series' games. Might of been Cork. Remember sitting there feeling bad for the lad.
RoyalBadger (Meath) - Posts: 571 - 06/11/2019 16:39:47
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Replying To RoyalBadger: "One of those 'Spring Series' games. Might of been Cork. Remember sitting there feeling bad for the lad." Ah right
Don't remember EOG ever being booed at a Cork match during the league
You should have seen the receiption he got in Kilkenny on his return from injury.
Thousands of Dubs chanting his name
jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 06/11/2019 17:38:08
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Replying To jimbodub: "His would be a sports bio worth a read" Don't think we will see any until Jim jacks up pal, something about this team and panel were the bond runs deep and is marked by a loyalty and omertà amongst the group.
We've had Ger, Alan, Bastick, Flynner all call it a day and not one has broken the omertà or captlised on being the first one out there about behind the scenes of this Dublin set up. Philly had a book but it was more of a personal nature then anything about the Dubs of this era.
They will come but hopefully be a while yet of yet, with a few more chapters.
TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 06/11/2019 19:03:03
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Replying To TheUsername: "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." Remember that game well Username. An outstanding performance he gave that day, literally everything he touched turned to gold
didn't realise that match was so long ago, 7 YEARS!!!!! My god where does the time go.... i can remember that match like it was yesterday. Think we won by a point
ConnollyDub (Dublin) - Posts: 2007 - 07/11/2019 12:40:43
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Replying To ConnollyDub: "Remember that game well Username. An outstanding performance he gave that day, literally everything he touched turned to gold
didn't realise that match was so long ago, 7 YEARS!!!!! My god where does the time go.... i can remember that match like it was yesterday. Think we won by a point" Mad isnt it, 6 all Ireland's ago in new money! ;)
Remember Craig Dias playing that night and a debate over who would make it him or Jonny Copper! :D
Jaysus it was cold, but Eoghan did his best to keep us warm!
TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 08/11/2019 10:50:02
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He has some medal haul and you don't get that from being an average footballer. He wouldn't have been in that Dublin setup unless he was in the top 30 players in the county. Its almost as much of an achievement keeping your place in a squad like that.
boomerang (Mayo) - Posts: 49 - 08/11/2019 13:22:56
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He's apparently off to the Shelmaliers now in Wexford. They're a Wexford SFC side, his wife's club.
With Galvin in charge, could he be tempted to make an appearance with the Yellowbellies?
dermondj (Wexford) - Posts: 17 - 08/11/2019 13:52:11
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Best of luck to him. He was a great guy to get the crowd going and defenders had their hands full and then some trying to keep tabs on him.Think he is one of those players that was great to have in the dressing room and a character by all accounts.
Nice haul of medals to have after your playing days too.
Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 08/11/2019 18:36:51
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Wish him all the best and he has made some great contributions over the years but I never rated him. He was a walking red card with terrible accuracy when shooting and my heart sank a little every time he came on. I'd agree his biggest contribution was probably as a squad player in training.
CaogaCuig (Dublin) - Posts: 63 - 09/11/2019 09:08:31
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Replying To CaogaCuig: "Wish him all the best and he has made some great contributions over the years but I never rated him. He was a walking red card with terrible accuracy when shooting and my heart sank a little every time he came on. I'd agree his biggest contribution was probably as a squad player in training." His biggest contribution was in 2013 All-Ireland final when he substituted Paul Mannion who was having a poor game.
He made a huge difference to Dublin that day and scored two points. Dublin won by one point.
fainleog (Limerick) - Posts: 597 - 09/11/2019 11:44:50
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Best of luck Eoghan, you are a brilliant Gaelic footballer, an absolute terror to all opposition.
suckvalleypaddy (Galway) - Posts: 1667 - 09/11/2019 12:09:52
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Replying To fainleog: "His biggest contribution was in 2013 All-Ireland final when he substituted Paul Mannion who was having a poor game.
He made a huge difference to Dublin that day and scored two points. Dublin won by one point." Dublin won by 7 did they not
lilypad (Kildare) - Posts: 1363 - 09/11/2019 18:09:38
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Replying To lilypad: "Dublin won by 7 did they not" Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-14.
MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13704 - 09/11/2019 19:23:10
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Im sorry thought it was the semi for some reason
lilypad (Kildare) - Posts: 1363 - 09/11/2019 21:23:27
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Replying To CaogaCuig: "Wish him all the best and he has made some great contributions over the years but I never rated him. He was a walking red card with terrible accuracy when shooting and my heart sank a little every time he came on. I'd agree his biggest contribution was probably as a squad player in training." I'd echo this to an extent. It's a serious medal haul but I do think he was lucky to be part of the Dublin setup for so long when the likes of Colm Basquel still hasn't been allowed to fully establish himself with regular appearances.
I was at the Sean Cox fundraiser in Navan when Dublin put out a barely recognizable team (apart from Brian Fenton), Meath had about half their first 15 out, and O'Gara was by far the worst player on the field across the 2 teams and subs. Nobody would've believed you if you told them that man had 6 all ireland medals and would go on to add another to his collection.
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5010 - 12/11/2019 14:23:49
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