Civic reception to cap O’Gara’s achievements

IRISH rugby star Ronan O’Gara is to be accorded a civic reception in Cork within weeks to mark his 100th Irish cap.

There was unanimous support for the Lord Mayor Cllr Michael O’Connell when he proposed the event last night.

“He is a stalwart of Cork, Munster and Irish rugby. It is a fantastic achievement in any sport to rise to that level,” Cllr O’Connell said.

The lifelong Dolphin RFC member also praised O’Gara’s involvement with his club, Cork Con, for his work promoting the game with young players, and for his promotion of the city.

“I think it would be great to honour him at this point in his career,” he said.

On Saturday, O’Gara, 33, followed Brian O’Driscoll and John Hayes to become just the third Irish player to win 100 caps. They are members of an elite club of just 16 players worldwide to win 100 caps for their country.

O’Gara said he was proud to accept the Lord Mayor’s invitation. “I am deeply honoured and very proud to be a Corkman. It is a great honour,” he said.

After Saturday’s game, he said: “It was a proud moment for me, although I’m bitterly disappointed to lose.

“It was great to follow Brian (O’Driscoll) and John (Hayes) into the history books because they’re two great players and good friends.

“It’s a big day for my family, for Cork Con and all my colleagues in Munster because I would like to think I’ve benefited from them.

It’s an achievement too because so few players around the world do it. I’m grateful to have been able to wear the jersey and for what we’ve achieved.

“I have enjoyed having an impact and I’m just sorry I couldn’t change the outcome – I play sport to win.”

O’Gara will be invited to attend the event at City Hall with his wife Jessica, and their three children – twins Rua and Molly who were born in 2008 and JJ, who was born earlier this year.

O’Gara also paid a special tribute to the support he gets from his family and said: “I see myself playing for at least two to three more years but hopefully five.”

Rugby legend Tom Kiernan described O’Gara as “a modern day legend in rugby.

“I have never seen a better manager of the ball in Irish rugby. He is in the same class as Kyle, Gibson and Campbell,” he said.