Editorial: An end and a beginning
It’s very rare for any Irish athlete to be truly world class - the best in the world in their position or their sport. There are so few of them that might be able to count them on your fingers.
As it happens, a few are from Cork - Roy Keane, Sonia O’Sullivan, Dr Pat O’Callaghan among them. Another one of them retired from international sport recently after a stellar career. David Harte from Ballinspittle retired recently from international hockey after almost 20 years and an incredible career during which he was twice named as the best goalkeeper in the world. He won the first of his 247 Ireland caps in August 2006 aged 18. I played with David when he joined Cork Harlequins along with his twin brother Conor who also went on to play many times for the Irish team. They went on to college in Dublin after helping Harlequins win our first ever men's Irish Senior Cup in 2006 while they were still in school. One of just two players to represent Ireland at two Olympic Games - Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 - David was captain when Ireland claimed bronze at the 2015 EuroHockey Championships. Respected across the world, he is seen widely as the best Irish player of the past 30+ years. Well done David and enjoy your extra free time!
Another Corkman who may yet become world class was at the other end of his journey last weekend.
Cobh’s Edwin Edogbo made his debut for Ireland against Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday. He came on in the second half receiving a huge roar during the win. Munster fans have been excited about Edogbo for years now although bad injuries have meant he hasn’t actually played much for Munster. Unfortunately the IRFU is investigating racist abuse directed at Edwin following his debut. The 23 year old was abused on social media after the game. In a statement, an IRFU spokesperson said: “We’re aware of some targeted abuse online in recent days and continue to work with Signify (a data tech company which specialises in protecting against online abuse) and the relevant authorities to report it. We will also continue to fully support all affected by the cowardly actions of a minority and investigations are underway.”
Experienced pundit Donal Lenihan said on RTÉ show ‘Against The Head’ on Monday night that Edogbo received a massive welcome on the pitch, bigger than any he had ever seen before. He described him as “a cult figure” in Munster where the “crowd went ballistic” at Thomond Park a few weeks ago when he came on after being out injured for two years. Hopefully Edwin knows the roars of the crowds at Thomond and the Aviva reflect the views of true rugby supporters. Hopefully he will be selected for the Six Nations game away against England this weekend. Good luck Edwin - we're behind you.