100 CAPS – MICK O’GARA & MARK FOGARTY

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Saturday, 18th April was a special day in the club – our First XV secured their place in the Energia AIL Final, beating Terenure, and we celebrated two outstanding players reaching 100 All-Ireland League caps — a mark of consistency, commitment, and real quality over many seasons.

Mark Fogarty

On the 18th of April 2026, Mark earns his 100th cap, becoming the 284th player to represent the club in the AIL. Mark made his debut back on 17th September 2016, starting against Cork Constitution in Templeville Road. While that day ended in a narrow 20–16 loss, it was the beginning of a superb career.

 

Since then, Mark has amassed 86 starts and 13 appearances off the bench, crossing the line for an impressive 32 tries. His first came away to UCD on 7th October 2016, helping secure a 19–13 win — a sign of what was to come.

This season, he’s added two more tries against Young Munster at home and Clontarf away.

 

Mark comes from a family deeply connected to the club. His father Patsy was a true club legend who loved St. Mary’s with all his heart, alongside his mother Denise and his own mum, Kitty. Though they have sadly passed, their presence and spirit are still very much part of the club. Kitty, in particular, will be remembered by so many.

 

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Mick O’Gara

Joining him in reaching 100 caps is Mick O’Gara, who is the 325th player to represent St. Mary’s College RFC in the All-Ireland League. Mick made his debut on 5th October 2019, starting away to Navan in Balreask Old, where Mary’s came away with a 23–18 win — and he got his first conversion and penalty that very day.

 

Since then, Mick has been a cornerstone of the team, with 94 starts and 5 appearances off the bench. He has scored 16 tries, with his first coming away to Shannon on 6th November 2021. But Mick’s real impact has been with the boot:

* 178 conversions

* 65 penalties

This season alone has been exceptional:

* 5 tries (Young Munster away, Old Belvedere at home, Cork Constitution home & away, and Clontarf away)

* 54 conversions and 18 penalties

* A remarkable 187 points in total

Mick has been a key figure week in, week out, and a player the team consistently relies on. Off the pitch, he’s well connected within the club community too — a cousin of Jonno, Mark, and Gerry.

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Reaching 100 AIL caps is no small achievement. It speaks to durability, dedication, and a sustained level of performance at the top level of club rugby in Ireland. This recognition is not just the numbers, but the commitment, the effort, and the contribution both Mark Fogarty and Mick O’Gara have made to St. Mary’s College RFC.

 

Congratulations to you both on a fantastic and well-deserved achievement.