Ex-Warrington Wolves and Oldham hooker Roger O'Mahoney has died

Roger O'Mahoney, a hooker from the 1980s, died recently in Spain and mourners will say their goodbyes at Rochdale Crematorium at 9.50am.

Although he won no team silverware with The Wire, O'Mahoney's contribution was marked by his player-of-the-year achievement at the end of his first full season with the club.

Such were Wire's injury problems at number nine at the start of the 1982-83 season, back-rower or prop John Fieldhouse was called on to fill the gap before Rochdale-born O'Mahoney was signed from Oldham on September 2, 1982, initially on loan.

After one training session coach Kevin Ashcroft, an illustrious hooker in his playing days, said: “He’ll do for me.”

Three days later O'Mahoney pulled on the primrose and blue shirt in a 43-5 victory over Huyton in a Lancashire Cup tie at Wilderspool.

The transfer was made permanent a week later when Warrington paid Oldham a transfer fee of £5,000.

 

Roger O'Mahoney, left, gets set to chase Dave Chisnall's kick

His first try for Warrington came against his former club Oldham on September 15.

He tapped the ball to himself, as was then allowed, and dove over for a three-pointer.

O'Mahoney quickly established himself at hooker for Warrington and helped the side to reach the Lancashire Cup Final.

A nasty leg injury caused him to miss the final, a 16-0 win over St Helens when hooking rival Carl Webb took over the mantle.

O'Mahoney gave the Wire faithful a memorable 1983-84 season.

His performances at Wilderspool made him a fans' favourite as he went on to receive his end-of-year award for a campaign in which he topped the appearances with 37.

 

Roger O'Mahoney at Warrington's end-of-year awards night in 1983-84, with Mike Gregory, left, and Roy Campbell, right

He only missed one match, when reserve rake Steve Moylan stepped up.

O'Mahoney's only other try for The Wire came in this season, with the one against Whitehaven on October 16, 1983, now being worth four points following the rule change.

He played the first 14 matches of the 1984-85 season to make it 49 successive appearances at hooker.

A 22-8 home defeat to Wigan on December 9, 1984, at Wilderspool was his final match.

After a run of six successive defeats Reg Bowden made eight changes to his team and O'Mahoney never played again for the club.

His sequence ended on 78 appearances.

 

O’Mahoney played his junior rugby with Spotland Rangers, before joining Oldham where he made his debut in the 1972-73 season.

He went on to make 122 appearances, scoring nine tries and dropping four goals for a total of 31 points.

While at the Watersheddings, O'Mahoney was selected for the Lancashire shadow squad and was also a member of the 1980-81 Oldham team that won the Second Division title.

After his departure from Warrington O'Mahoney went back to the amateur game and played for many years in the Oldham area.