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Vale Dr Terence Joseph Horgan, 1934 – 2024.(OX and Honorary Old Ignatian)
Tuesday, 28 May 2024
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To longer term members and supporters of the Old Ignatians Rugby Club, Dr Terry Horgan, “The Doc’” needs no introduction – and even many ‘newer’ members would be familiar with him from his regular attendance at matches – usually with his great mates, the late Les Kirkpatrick, and Paul Sheridan. Terry was Life Member #5. 1979 had been a watershed year in the history of the OIRFC. After a few years as a one team club, we bit the bullet and doubled to two. This was helped by a strong influx of 1978 school leavers, including a young goal kicking breakaway (flanker) John Horgan. The bonus was the addition of his father Terry to our supporter ranks. The family connection increased in 1980 when Mark “Max” Horgan joined the club – one of the greatest “weight for age” halfbacks this club has had!! Terry immediately established himself as an enthusiastic and strong supporter of the club. This was manifested by his vociferous support at matches, his keen photography, his medical support, and his regular patronage of club events. He was integral in the management of the club as well. In 1987 when incumbent President Ken Richards passed away suddenly, Terry took over as President, a role he held till 1989. He has held the role of Vice President many times. What made Terry’s support even more remarkable was that he was an Old Xaverian, and that it continued so long after his sons had moved interstate and overseas, and were no longer playing. And what a multi-talented and dexterous man he was – invariably having his trusty camera in one hand, a glass of red in another, a transistor radio in another (checking on the races and other footy scores) his medical bag over his shoulder, a spare hipflask of red and, in the months leading up to the Indian Bazaar, his infamous books of tickets for the Old Xav’s raffle in yet another hand! We remember his sterling medical assistance to the club. Old Iggies were one of the few clubs to regularly have a doctor on the sidelines. He was frequently sighted stitching up someone, checking a bump, or reassuring someone that more serious damage hadn’t occurred. But those who were more significantly injured got the full range of Terry’s support - arranging hospital visits, liaising with specialists or making follow up calls to check on progress. He always had yet another hand active, holding a mobile to make the necessary calls for ambulances. Paul Timmins (OIRFC) |