See ya Shaggy: Top Five Shane Horgan moments

Before the likes of George North and Alex Cuthbert, there was Shane Horgan. Big, powerful and an exceptional finisher, here’s five of his best moments.

5. Epic chase down v Leicester

In the 2007-08 Heineken Cup first up for Leinster at the RDS were Leicester. The home side won out 22-9 but they had a super piece of defence by Murphy to thank for keeping the visitors out of the game.

Ignore the hit on Gordon D’Arcy (sorry Gordon) that starts this clip and wait for the chase down Horgan puts on Irish colleague Geordan Murphy, before then stopping Tuilagi and then getting into the try-saving ruck. Fantastic defence by the Meath man.

4. First try v England in 2006

The second, game-winning try may be more famous but this one showed the big man had some foot skills too, deftly keeping the ball in touch and pouncing on the English mistake.

3. Sublime skill v Ulster 2011

When we saw this we all hoped that Horgan could get back into the Ireland. It wasn’t to be but this great run, chip and dummy showed that the winger was still a classy player in his final season.

2. Second try v England

When I saw this try, sadly from the pub, not the stadium, it was possibly the loudest roar I have ever heard. A nation erupted when this try went in, as it secured a Triple Crown. On English soil. In the final minute. It was very, very enjoyable. And I still don't know how he kept himself in play. A marvellous, marvelllous finish.

1. Try v England 2007

He liked scoring against the old enemy didn’t he? Okay so the game was over and we had spanked England on an emotional and historic day for the country etc. But the sight of a big Meath man plucking the ball out of the air in Croker just seemed right, regardless of the code. This is the score that comes to mind when you think of Shane Horgan.

Not a bad legacy eh? Enjoy your retirement Shaggy.