Patrick Horgan opens up on retiring without the elusive ‘medal’

The Glen Rovers star ends an 18-year Cork career as hurling’s top scorer in both league and championship, insisting that medals aren’t everything.

He won four All-Stars, four Munster titles and this year’s Allianz League crown. Yet an All-Ireland medal always stayed just out of reach. Horgan played in four All-Ireland finals with Cork - 2013 (after a replay), 2021, 2024 (after extra time) and the 2025 loss to Tipperary, when Cork had led by six points at half-time.

“It’s Not Everything”

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Horgan said: “Obviously, I’d be silly if I didn’t say it hurt not winning one, probably especially the last one… But as a whole… it’s not everything. We train a lot and we went on the road, playing a lot of games and I enjoyed every bit of it and I wouldn’t change any of that for a medal.”

In other interviews he added: “Winning one would have been nice, but it’s not everything… If you train 200 times in a year with a great bunch of lads and you’re enjoying it, you’re a long way to being happy.”

Family and Fresh Priorities

Horgan explained that Pat Ryan’s departure as Cork manager, and the wish to spend more time with his young son Jack, were key reasons to step away. “I’m probably one of the luckiest people playing hurling… to leave when I’m happy,” he said.

Looking Ahead

He dismissed rumours of a half-time row in July’s final defeat - “It couldn’t have been further from the truth” - and praised Ryan: “Everyone knows how tough a year Pat Ryan had, and the way he carried himself was unbelievable.”

Horgan also hinted at a future on the sideline, saying he has “an interest in actual coaching… there’s a lot of room for giving players an edge.”

Eighteen seasons, countless memories and records that may last for decades. Patrick Horgan leaves the inter-county stage content and proud of his legacy.