Patrick ‘Hoggie’ Horgan (37) was accorded a special civic reception by Lord Mayor and councillor, Fergal Dennehy, to mark his extraordinary contribution to Cork sporting life.
The Glen Rovers star was agonisingly on four Cork sides beaten in All-Ireland hurling finals in 2013, 2021, 2024 and 2025.
Regarded one of the greatest forwards of his era, he won one National Hurling League title, four Munster crowns and four All-Star awards.
He is the all-time top scorer in both the All Ireland hurling championship and National Hurling League.
Horgan announced his retirement from inter-county competition last September after a glittering 18 year career.
The Lord Mayor said he wanted to, on behalf of the entire city, salute a true sporting legend whose name will forever be synonymous with the game of hurling, and with sporting excellence.
Former Cork hurler Patrick Horgan Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
“Throughout history, some individuals have achieved such fame and influence that they’re instantly recognised by a single name,” Mr Dennehy said.
“Think Bono, Beyoncé, Madonna, Pele, Ronaldo, or Picasso. Closer to home we have Sonia [O’Sullivan], Roy [Keane], ROG [Ronan O’Gara], Rob [Heffernan] and Derval [O’Rourke]. And here tonight, we have Hoggie.
“The names don’t just identify a person – they evoke an entire world of talent, achievement and impact.”
Mr Dennehy said all of Cork owed the hurler a debt of gratitude.
“We honour you, Patrick, and we thank you for so many wonderful memories, for your skill, your commitment to the game, and to the jersey. We thank you for all the drama, the excitement, the ecstasy – for so many magical moments in the rich and storied history of Cork hurling.”
Mr Horgan was joined at the civic reception by his wife, Ashley, their son Jack, several family members, friends, clubmates and supporters.
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He bowed out of the inter-county game as the all-time top scorer in both the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and National League, amassing an astonishing 32 goals and 683 points in championship action, and 26 goals and 674 points in league play.
“While some players measure their success in terms of medals and trophies, Patrick himself measured success in terms of his performance,” the Lord Mayor said.
“He has earned respect across the country for his skill and dedication, for his pursuit of excellence, for his total commitment to his team. His influence on Cork hurling, and on the game in general, cannot be overstated.”
“His professionalism, his commitment, his leadership, and his unwavering dedication to excellence, have set the standard for future generations.”
Mr Dennehy said that the hurler had served as an iconic figure for younger players and was noted for the time he devoted to helping develop the game at juvenile level.
Now retired, Horgan will now join Cork’s U-20 hurling coaching setup.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, a lifelong Cork GAA fan, supplied a video tribute to the civic reception.
He paid tribute to Mr Horgan’s unique brand of hurling, his artistry, his skill and determination.
“Your professionalism and humility made you a role model for so many,” he said.