Fogarty to take final bow for Munster
Friday’s British & Irish Cup final against Cross Keys in Musgrave Park (5.30pm) is likely to be the last time Munster fans will see Denis Fogarty wearing the red jersey, with the hooker moving to French side Aurillac at the end of the season.
The move will see Fogarty playing in the second tier of French rugby with Aurillac, who are coached by former Ireland international Jeremy Davidson.
The 28-year-old was offered terms to remain with the side he has been a member of since 2004, but opted for the offer from Davidson instead.
Fogarty came into the Munster squad shortly after appearing in the 2004 U-21 World Cup Final and made his senior debut off the bench against The Borders in Musgrave Park in November 2004.
The Cashel native struggled to nail down a place as Munster’s starting number two with Jerry Flannery, Damien Varley and Mike Sherry all vying for the same position.
Fogarty admits that it was a difficult decision to make but he believes the time is right for him to take on a new challenge.
“You dont leave a squad like Munster without giving it a great deal of thought,” Fogarty remarked.
“It’s been a huge part of my life and I've really enjoyed my time here.
“I've learnt a lot and made lifelong friends who I will miss.
“The opportunity was there for me to remain but I feel the time is right for me to look for a new challenge.
“I'm grateful to Jeremy Davidson for providing me with that challenge and its one I'm looking forward to.”
